Nauru is calling for urgent climate action recognizing the pivotal role of women in global efforts against climate change. In a national statement delivered at the CSW69 global session on women’s status, HE Lara Daniel, Nauru’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized climate change as “the single greatest threat” to the stability and livelihoods of communities across the Blue Pacific.
Amidst rising sea levels and extreme weather events, Nauru has rolled out a new Gender-Responsive Climate Change Policy. This initiative aims to integrate gender equality into climate action, disaster risk management, and pandemic responses, aligning with the nation’s National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS). Daniel asserted that empowering women, who are central to community resilience, is essential for creating sustainable solutions.
The ambassador pointed out the need for enhanced international cooperation to ensure that gender-responsive climate policies receive the funding and prioritization they require. Nauru’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is evident, reaffirming the importance of empowering women and girls.
Efforts being made in Nauru include the endorsement of a National Women’s Policy, Sexual Harassment Policy, and Child Protection policies, which aim to strengthen legal protections and support services for survivors while promoting societal shifts through education and advocacy. “This challenge cannot be addressed by any nation alone,” she stressed, urging global partnerships and the sharing of best practices to protect and empower women effectively.
Parallels can be drawn with initiatives in the Marshall Islands highlighted during recent UN discussions, which called attention to the barriers of gender inequality and the role of women in resilience against climate change. The Marshall Islands, like Nauru, advocates for strategic actions that promote women’s rights in the face of climate-related challenges, illustrating a regional commitment among Pacific nations to foster gender equality amid these crises.
As Nauru moves forward, it stands as a testament to the potential for collaborative action to ensure that women not only contribute fully to societal development but are also recognized at the forefront of recognizing and addressing climate impacts. Together, these nations reflect a hopeful outlook for gender equality and sustainable development across the Pacific.
Leave a comment