‘Gender-responsive finance crucial for climate change solutions’

ARUSHA: DEPUTY Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Ms Noura Hamladji has emphasised the importance of gender-responsive finance, stating that women must be empowered as effective resource agents of change in their communities to tackle climate change effectively.

Speaking via video at the Climate Forum and the 35th meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance (SCF) of UNFCCC in Arusha on Tuesday, Ms Hamladji said that empowering woman in climate-related issues is both a moral and strategic necessity.

She underscored the need for improved empowerment and equal opportunities to advance climate goals.

According to Ms Hamladji, a recent UN climate change report on the doubling of adaptation finance revealed that gender-responsive approaches significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of adaptation finance.

She noted that the work of the Standing Committee on Finance enables more resources to be directed where they will have the most impact, citing examples of good practices that governments can leverage for a more equitable distribution of financial resources.

“For instance, last year, the European Investment Bank signed investment agreements worth 270 million euros with three Tanzanian banks to support women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses in the blue economy,” she said.

“Such initiatives are vital for accelerating positive climate outcomes, and now is a crucial time for this knowledge to reach policymakers worldwide.”

Ms Hamladji also emphasised that national climate plans can foster interconnected actions to achieve gender equality and effective climate outcomes, helping to shape more inclusive and effective policies and strategies.

She commended the government of Tanzania for hosting the forum, extending her gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice- President Dr Philip Mpango and Prime Minister Mr Kassim Majaliwa for their support.

“Thank you all for your valuable insights. I look forward to reviewing the outcomes of the forum,” Ms Hamladji said.

Delegate Ms Phindile Nkosi from South Africa stressed the importance of collaboration with both local and international stakeholders in addressing climate change.

She emphasised that effective climate action involves not only exploring new developments, policies and frameworks but also building on what is currently working.

Ms Chavi Meattle, Manager of Climate Policy Initiative focused on climate finance in London, UK, pointed out that a just transition requires closing gender gaps in climate financing.

She noted that there is increasing evidence that women are well-positioned to drive climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.

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She said investing in initiatives that equip women with necessary tools enhances climate resilience, fosters climate innovation and generates high-quality green jobs.