Countries which have not yet nominated a national focal point for Gender and Climate Change prior to COP23 are urged to do so.

The call was made through the incoming Fijian COP23 Presidency website and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat.

COP23 is on November 6 to18 November in Bonn, Germany.

The gender focal point will assist with all gender-related decisions and mandates under the UNFCCC processes, including work to develop and implement the first Gender Action Plan at COP23.

Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan said both the UNFCCC and the COP23 Presidency recognised the importance of the equitable involvement of women in sustainable development and the implementation of climate policies. It includes the Gender Action Plan.

Ms Khan is the chief Negotiator for the Fijian COP23 Presidency and the Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

“This is why we are pushing for decisive action to finalise the Gender Action Plan at COP23,” Ms Khan said.

“This is an important priority for us at the upcoming COP. We are committed to ensuring that women’s voices are heard because women are key agents of change in their communities.

“Our experience in Fiji and similar experiences around the world have shown that the increased participation of women in political discussions has led to a stronger response to the effects of climate change, as well as greater cooperation across political and ethnic divides.”

The Ambassador also added that at COP23 the Fijian Presidency and the Government of Switzerland would host a special diner for female leaders.

All Heads of Delegations and CEOs of institutions engaged in climate change attending the climate summit are invited.

The dinner will take place on November 13, on the eve of Gender Day, which will take place at COP23 on November 14.

Feedback: sheldon.chanel@fijisun.com.fj