Australia has announced an ongoing commitment of $1.5 million over four years to support the meaningful participation of Pacific women in climate-related decision-making.

This programme will harness the talents of the next generation of climate leaders from the region.

This announcement was made yesterday at the Westin resort on Denarau Island, Nadi by the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Fierranvanti-Wells.

It was made at the margins of the pre-COP events which concluded on Denarau Island yesterday, during a Women’s Leadership in Climate Change Diplomacy Breakfast.

“The successful implementation of the historic Paris Agreement depends upon effectively engaging women and girls.

Women, as agents of change, are critical to pursuing sustainable development and the transition to a low emissions climate resilient world.

“We know that women and girls are disproportionally impacted by climate change, particularly in developing countries.

“Women make up half of the world’s population: they are not a minority group,” she said.

Despite this, she pointed out, based on current trends women would not be equally represented in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change until 2040, in parliaments until 2065, and will not make up half the world’s leaders until 2134.

Australia’s flagship gender equality programme in the region, Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development commits $320 million over 10 years in support of these aims.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

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