EU rallies a global call for gender equality and inclusive climate action at COP30

Building on the EU's leadership at COP29, the statement recognises that women and girls often face the greatest climate risks, while also being powerful agents of change driving innovative and resilient climate solutions.

Towards a stronger Gender Action Plan

The statement calls for the adoption at COP30 of an ambitious and action-oriented Gender Action Plan (GAP) under the UNFCCC. The new plan should build on progress made, close remaining gaps, and ensure that all women and girls - including those from Indigenous Peoples, and local communities - can fully participate in and benefit from climate action.

Key priorities

Signatories commit to:

• Mainstream gender equality across climate policies, plans and funding mechanisms.
• Promote inclusive and meaningful participation of women in decision-making and negotiations.
• Enhance gender-responsive finance, including for community- and women-led initiatives.
• Improve data and knowledge, through gender-disaggregated data, education and capacity-building.
• Address intersectional factors such as age, disability and income level to make climate action more equitable.

The statement was endorsed by a diverse coalition of countries and regional groups from all regions, including AILAC, AOSIS, the EU and the EIG, representing around 90 countries worldwide.

EU commitment

The EU continues to integrate gender equality across its climate policies and international partnerships, supporting education, participation and leadership for women and youth through initiatives under the Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) agenda and Global Gateway.

Director for International Climate Strategy, Governance and Finance at the European Commission, Diana Acconcia said:

"Gender equality is not a side issue. It lies at the heart of effective climate action. Empowering women and girls means unlocking innovation, resilience and ambition in every part of the world. At COP30, we must strive for a new Gender Action Plan that delivers real change."

The EU will continue to champion an inclusive, gender-transformative approach to climate action, ensuring that the transition to a clean, fair and resilient future leaves no one behind.

The statement has been signed by the Alliance of Independent Latin American and Caribbean States (AILAC), Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Australia, Canada, Chad, European Union (EU), Environmental Integrity Group (EIG), Guinea, Iceland, Japan, Moldova, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of San Marino, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.

More Information
Global Statement on Gender Equality and Climate Action

Details