‘We Cannot Build Forward’, Tackle Climate Crisis Unless Women Are Equal Partners in Participation, Leadership, Deputy Secretary-General Tells Global Forum

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message to the Reykjavik Global Forum, today:

Dear friends, fellow women leaders at the Reykjavík Global Forum.  When we launched Women Rise for All in 2020, female leaders from around the world came together to work for equal access to essential services and social protection for the COVID-19 recovery for all.

In this and in so many urgent areas, women’s leadership is crucial.  We cannot build forward together and address the climate crisis without building a world where women are equal partners, with an equal share of opportunities, power and participation.

From Africa to Asia and Latin America, women farmers and producers are engaging in strategies to confront climate change.  At the same time, we know that electing women politicians can result in ambitious climate action.

And the presence of more women on governing boards is resulting in sustainable business practices and opportunities — including in key climate-related sectors such as oil, gas and mining.  Globally, the emissions growth rate by companies with more than 30 per cent women board members was almost six times lower than companies with no women board members.

We need to acknowledge and elevate the work of women leaders from all walks of life — the work that all of you do every day — in Governments, business, international organizations, civil society and beyond.  Together, we must work to increase the number of women in leadership — and we must amplify the power of those women who are already leading.  We know true progress is made when leadership is diverse, inclusive and balanced.

Gender-based violence increases during climate disasters, while support systems often collapse.  Heatwaves bring heightened risk of maternal and neonatal complications.  Lack of access to improved household energy is associated with almost 4 million excess deaths from smoke inhalation per year, disproportionately among women and girls.  These consequences will only grow. 

We have seen the strength of the global climate movement to demand ambition, led by young people including a powerful cadre of young women from every region.  Women are increasingly on national delegations to the COP (Conference of Parties), spurred by the Gender Action Plan under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).  And women are increasingly in leadership roles in companies that will define sectoral emissions trends.

Our voices, from civil society, Government and the private sector, must demand — and deliver — commitments to net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, concrete near term targets and action plans, and immediate action.

Gender equality is a priority of the Secretary-General.  And he has led efforts to achieve gender parity in the senior leadership for the first time in United Nations history.  The hosts of the Reykjavík Global Forum, WPL (women political leaders) and the Government of Iceland have been vital partners in all our work to achieve a more gender equal world.

Let’s take this partnership to all corners of the world.  Women ministers, business owners, parliamentarians and grassroots organizers are often the most knowledgeable about the needs of the communities most impacted by the pandemic, climate change, the lack of services and the digital divide.  We need these women at the table in all decision-making processes, at all levels.

Again, I extend my admiration, solidarity and support to all of you and look forward to continuing to work together to build a more equal, sustainable and prosperous future.  Thank you.