Shreya Ghodawat to Lead Gender-Inclusive Climate Action at COP28

By: WE Staff | Saturday, 16 December 2023

Shreya Ghodawat, a prominent sustainability advocate and SHE Changes Climate India Ambassador, represented India at COP28 during a High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on 'Balance for the Earth Building Trust and Collaboration for People & the Planet.' The discussion, which centered on resolving the interconnected challenges of climate and environment, emphasized innovative ideas and collaborative techniques, pushing for radical collaboration and structural transformation.

Shreya, as India's SHE Changes Climate Ambassador, played a vital role, particularly in talks aimed at breaking down barriers to systemic reform. She emphasized the need of ensuring that the energy transformation is not only socially equitable, but also gender-inclusive, highlighting India's power and energy industries' negative impact on women. Shreya emphasized the importance of a fair transition from fossil fuels to a steady supply of renewable energy, as well as participation in legislation, leadership decisions, and better job inclusiveness.

The SHE Changes Climate team actively supported increased female participation in climate negotiations and leadership roles, advocating for a 50:50 gender balance, inclusivity, and diversity vision. The Unite For Climate Solutions Summit, which was co-hosted by SHE Changes Climate and Project Dandelion, concluded with a conversation between Mary Robinson and COP28 President H.E. Sultan Al Jaber, who underlined the need of tackling the fossil fuel issue in accordance with climate science.

Recognizing the importance of the situation, the UNFCCC prioritized fossil fuels for the first time in 28 years. Shreya and the other panelists urged governments to expedite the Paris Agreement's implementation, emphasizing the necessity of open multi-stakeholder talks for genuine social reform. Notably, the Netherlands, Uganda, and Norway have joined the COP's coalition of gender champions, reaffirming the ideas of inclusion and diversity. SHE Changes Climate plans to increase its presence in key countries, with a focus on hastening the energy transition with women at the forefront.