Moderator Ulrike Röhr, LIFE – Equality, Environment, Education introduced the session.

Marine Franck, Policy Officer Climate Change, WECF France, focused on procedural and organizational aspects and the involvement of civil society. Climate impacts require urgent attention and treatment by all Parties; another failure is possible in Mexico and this is why procedural issues have to be taken seriously. This summit in Bonn is a first step, a chance to move on, an opportunity to rebuild trust and hope. Delegates and civil society have the capacity to create a clear consensus and tackle the climate change challenge.

Sandra Freitas, Global Advocacy Associate, WEDO, delivered a key message that 2009 was a historical year for gender and climate change because for the first time in the UNFCCC process gender considerations were included in the outcome of the work of the convention. Reaching a post 2012 agreement this year remains a challenge; however, gender advocates will continue to push for stronger gender language and a truly equitable outcome.

Gotelind Alber, Board Member, GenderCC - Women for Climate Justice, sp0ke on the gaps in the current negotiation documents in terms of women and gender, whether there is also a gender dimension in mitigation, technology and financing, and how this could be addressed in the upcoming negotiations.

Women and Gender Constituency Press Conference, April 9, 2010 (video)

WEDO’s Press Conference Statement

WECF’s Press Statement

GenderCC’s Press Statement

The text of the statement follows:

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Esteemed colleagues, delegates, ladies and gentlemen:

While the task ahead for the AWG-LCA is great, we support you in organizing your program of work in the most comprehensive and inclusive way possible.

Delegates, in many ways, the Copenhagen LCA draft decisions reflected the history-making progress over the last two years. For the first time, the text integrated human rights, social justice and especially women and gender equality considerations. We urge you to sustain and strengthen these efforts.

A transparent process is critical to ensure a substantive outcome.  In organizing your work, we urge you not to lose sight of the progress made last year and the profound substance in the LCA discussions. The multilateral forum of the UNFCCC provides the opportunity for equitable input – and must continue to ensure civil society engagement and meaningful participation at every stage.

Thank you.

Watch the video: Maria Otero – Women and Climate Change

In 2006, WEDO was named a Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environmental Program for our longstanding work in the field of Sustainable Development.  UNEP presented this video profile of WEDO at the awards ceremony in Singapore.