Full statement released on 10 November in Belém, Brazil at COP30:
Global Statement on Gender Equality and Climate ActionAid at COP30
We, the undersigned, reaffirm our shared and unwavering commitment to achieving gender equality and the protection, the fulfilment and the enjoyment of human rights of all as key elements of meaningful, effective and inclusive climate action. As the world faces growing climate challenges, we recognize that these impacts are not experienced equally. Women, girls, and persons in situations of vulnerability often face greater risks and are disproportionately affected by climate challenges, while being underrepresented in decision-making processes.
Informed by the best available science, we recognize that gender-responsive approaches can unlock greater opportunities to enable ambitious adaptation and mitigation actions. We also recognize that women and girls play a fundamental role as leaders and agents of change in responding to climate change, building innovative climate solutions, and strengthening sustainable climate resilience, and are often at the forefront of such solutions in their communities.
Ensuring that climate action leaves no one behind means placing gender equality, human rights, and social inclusion at the centre of climate policies, implementation and means of implementation. This includes ensuring gender-mainstreaming in the UNFCCC process, across all items, constituted bodies and work programmes, as well as strengthening accountability mechanisms and resourcing for gender-responsive implementation.
As we approach COP30, we strongly support the adoption of a new ambitious and action-oriented Gender Action Plan (GAP) under the UNFCCC. This plan should build on progress made while addressing the challenges that remain and reflect the realities of our time that shape the diverse experiences of peoples and regions. It must reflect the priorities of all regions and facilitate systemic and structural change, inclusive governance, and attention to multidimensional factors that shape people’s experiences.
We commit to:
1. Mainstream Gender Equality: Integrate gender perspectives into climate plans, policies, and funding mechanisms to ensure that climate action advances gender equality and benefits all members of society.
2. Promote Inclusive, Effective and Meaningful Participation: Ensure that all women are actively involved in climate decision-making, as agents of change and as beneficiaries of gender equality, in our own communities as well as in international negotiations.
3. Enhance Gender-Responsive Finance: Strengthen gender mainstreaming in all climate finance, enhance access to gender-responsive climate finance, including for initiatives led by women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and from local communities, and take into account the needs and priorities of groups that are vulnerable due to the impacts of climate change.
4. Enhance Data and Knowledge: Support the generation, use and dissemination of age- and gender-disaggregated data, access to education, and capacitybuilding, technology transfer and knowledge exchange to inform more inclusive and effective climate solutions.
5. Address Multidimensional Factors: Recognize how gender inequality interacts with other factors, such as age, ethnicity, disability, income level, and Indigenous identity, and reflect this in climate planning and action to ensure that responses are inclusive and equitable.
6. Adopt a Strong and Inclusive Gender Action Plan at COP30: We call for a new GAP that is practical, inclusive, and forward-looking. It should strengthen institutional frameworks such as gender mainstreaming and budgeting, promote leadership and education for all women and girls, and address key issues such as care work, gender-based violence, and other emerging issues in the context of climate change. The plan should be guided by an understanding of multidimensional factors, include clear priorities, and ensure meaningful and effective implementation over the next decade.
We invite governments, civil society, and the private sector to work together toward a climate-resilient future where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
As of 10 November 2025, the statement has been signed by a total of 92 countries: 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, the Republic of San Marino, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.