This year I couldn’t attend COP29 in Baku in person, however I actively engaged in numerous virtual activities and events, ensuring my advocacy work remained impactful. As a WOSSO Fellow and a member of multiple regional and global networks, I found innovative ways to contribute, leveraging online platforms to drive forward my goals.
Preparation and Engagement
In the lead-up to COP29, I participated in the preparatory sessions with the Women and Gender Constituency (WGC), gaining insights into the UNFCCC process, thematic groups, and negotiations.
Furthermore, I collaborated with the Arab Feminist CSOs network and contributed to a campaign advocating for increased climate finance. A significant highlight was producing a video on the unique challenges faced by women in conflict-affected countries due to climate change, calling for greater inclusion in decision-making processes. The below video was featured in a pre-COP29 webinar, amplifying my advocacy message.
I coordinated an event to launch a study which I have supervised on climate change’s impacts on women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health at COP29 on the 21st of November. The event included speakers from the SRHR coalition the women and gender constituency, Brot für die Welt and Oxfam’s Regional Climate Justice Advisor. It was a resounding success, showcasing the vital intersection of gender, health, and climate action.
Key Learnings and Reflections
Moreover, I actively followed the WGC’s thematic working groups and negotiations through virtual platforms, ensuring continuous learning and contribution. This engagement provided a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of gender and the importance of financing the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) from a gender lens.
I attended a half-day training course on climate law and governance. It further enriched my knowledge on legal and institutional mechanisms available to implement the NDCs and the Paris Agreement, how laws can strengthen mitigation, adaptation and resilience, and promote climate finance, compliance and transparency under the Paris Agreement, also activate loss and damage mechanisms and address human rights concerns.
Advancing Advocacy
My engagement strengthened my advocacy work and implementation of my advocacy plan with WOSSO Fellowship, particularly in addressing the intersections of climate change and SRHR. Working closer with different organizations like Oxfam, SRHR coalition, the WGC and the Arab Feminist CSOs network broadened my connections and opened doors for future opportunities and collaborations.
One striking realization was the vast gap between the needs of developing countries and the NCQG agreement. While trillions are required to meet the climate crisis, parties only committed $300 billion annually to developing countries, underscoring the urgent need for more robust advocacy.
This year’s virtual participation proved to me that physical presence is not the only avenue for impactful advocacy. With the right networks and dedication, meaningful contributions to global climate discussions are always possible
(Written by Muna Alhammadi, a WOSSO Fellow)