United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

• DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The official website for Global Youth Climate Week (the Week) is now open.
• Interested individuals and organizations can find the website at:
  "The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) will feature the first global stocktake since the signing of the Paris Agreement," stated Dr. WANG Binbin, the Executive Secretary-General of Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC).
• Scheduled one week ahead of each COP, the Week aims to contribute to global climate governance by providing a mechanism for the next generation to amplify their climate voice, hone their innovative solutions, and turn their climate actions into actual impact.
• Building on the success of GAUC's youth cultivating activities in 2022, GAUC has upscaled its 'Climate x' Leadership Training Program by opening it to global college students and channeling the climate actions of its students to the Week.

• Climate change has different impacts on men and women, especially in the Global South.
• In reality, women in the Global South countries also possess the abilities and strength to protect the environment.
• Read more:
  The Global South is on the rise – but what exactly is the Global South?

Women’s movements across the Global South

• Historically, women have played a big part in protecting the environment in Asian and South American countries.
• Testimonies from the Chipko movement and similar women’s movements in other countries were discussed at this conference.

Fighting for change in Mexico and Bolivia

• Besides the Chipko movement, there is a recent example from women in Zapotalito, a village within the Chacahua-Pastoría lagoon national park area in southern Mexico.
• The women of Zapotalito worked together to clean the natural canal in the Coaxaca mangrove area.
• It’s gained the support of thousands of people in Bolivia.

Indonesian fisherwomen’s leadership

• In Indonesia, fisherwomen in Central Java have been working to sustain their community amidst the climate change since 2020.
• Rising sea levels have increased flood risks in their neighbourhoods, forcing them to take action by engaging with policymakers, raising awareness and fundraising to build bridges.

Growing global recognition

• The global community increasingly recognises their efforts too.
• Since the 1990s, more international policies have emphasised gender as a crucial element in nature conservation and sustainable development.
• For example, the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development acknowledges the vital role of women in environmental management and development.

Better solutions through involving women

• Despite being disproportionately affected by environmental damages, women continue to demonstrate their resilience and knowledge in tackling climate change.
• These actions are fundamental in steering clear of oversimplifying the experiences of women across diverse countries.

• This week, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will be in New York City from September 18 to 22, 2023, to participate in the United Nations General Assembly's Climate Ambition Summit and a week of high-level engagements.
• Throughout the week, Minister Guilbeault will continue to work with partners to achieve real solutions and build momentum heading into COP28.
• Canada's Ambassador for Climate Change, Catherine Stewart, will also be in New York City this week to attend meetings and events to promote Canada's climate action.
• The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023, under the UAE Presidency.

• The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has been invited by the COP28 President Designate to facilitate political-level discussions ahead of the climate summit in Dubai, and in the context of the first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement.
• Together with Minister Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment of Egypt, Minister Guilbeault will engage Ministers from all countries to identify solutions and inform the decisions governments must make on all elements related to means of implementation, finance, technology, and capacity building for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
• "Canada is ready to support as co-facilitator to help shape these important discussions ahead of, and at, COP28.
• It is the defining moment of this year, this COP and … ultimately pivotal to whether or not we meet our 2030 goals."