Harnessing the knowledge and ingenuity of women is an opportunity to achieve a sustainable tomorrow
STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE OACPS ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Brussels, 8 March 2022/OACPS: On the occasion of the commemoration of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2022, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), H.E. Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, welcomes the choice of this year’s theme, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, and calls for climate action for women, by women. He stresses that a sustainable tomorrow cannot be achieved with increasing gender inequalities.
Women remain at the forefront of climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, and the Secretary-General acknowledges the role of women in addressing global challenges such as climate change.
H.E. Mr Chikoti also recognises that women are agents of change and important role-players for improving environmental conditions. Women are indeed indispensable partners in local, national, regional and international efforts to tackle climate change.
The Secretary-General deplores the fact that globally, women have less access to resources, information and services needed to create, develop and deliver climate solutions, and as such, are frequently excluded from fora to which they can make a meaningful contribution. Furthermore, women are often poorly represented in key leadership and decision-making roles.
Secretary-General Chikoti reaffirms the OACPS’ strong call for women to have greater inclusion in all sectors and at all levels of decision-making; and to have greater access to climate finance. He reiterates that the OACPS will continue its efforts to identify ways to support women who are financially excluded within their societies.
The Secretary-General wishes to reinforce that harnessing the knowledge and ingenuity of women is an opportunity to achieve a sustainable tomorrow and calls for the urgent and meaningful engagement of women. The OACPS, through its development partnership, with notably the European Union and the United Nations and its agencies, will continue to support its Members in their efforts to achieve inclusive sustainable development and to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5. Based on fundamental values, such as respect for human rights and gender equality, everyone should contribute to and support women’s empowerment.
Image: The Phuket News