ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a regional high-level discussion said that empowerment of women and men is essential for a successful transition to a green economy. Without ensuring that women have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from the green economy, we cannot achieve more sustainable, inclusive and effective environmental and economic outcomes.
The Prime Minister’s Climate Change Coordinator Romina Khurshid Alam said the green economy is not just an environmental plan; it is a transformative approach aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth while mitigating environmental risks and ecological deficiencies.
However, this transformation remains incomplete without addressing social inequalities, especially gender inequality.
She emphasized that women, who make up half of the world’s population, are essential to achieving the goals of the green economy.
“However, it is essential to recognize the dual roles of women as victims of environmental degradation and powerful agents of change that drive sustainable development,” the PM’s climate adviser told attendees.
The Prime Minister’s climate advisor emphasized that gender equality is not just about human rights; is the cornerstone of sustainable development. “When women have access to education, resources and decision-making power, the benefits spread across society. Research consistently shows that when women are empowered, communities are more resilient, economies more robust and the environment better protected,” she noted.
We are also committed to mainstreaming gender perspectives in all climate-related policies and actions, and recognize that women’s leadership and participation are critical to achieving our climate goals.
The two-day event “Regional Parliamentarians’ Conference on Empowerment of Women and Men for a Green Economy” was organized here by the Ministry for Coordination of Climate Change and Environment and the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians for Population and Development (AFPPD) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, United Nations Population Fund Activities, Pathfinder, The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and other international NGOs.
The event was attended by parliamentarians from more than 15 Asian countries, senior representatives of the diplomatic community, senior political figures, government officials, international NGOs, members of international donor organizations and academia.
Speaking as the chief guest, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that empowerment of women and men to achieve the goals of green economy is timely and essential for our collective and sustainable future.
“As MPs, we must recognize that gender equality and environmental sustainability are deeply intertwined goals; the success of one depends on the other,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the contribution of the Parliament of Pakistan, the Speaker of the National Assembly said that the Parliament has played an unprecedented role in promoting gender equality, reproductive health and sustainable development to improve the overall quality of life of women, especially those living in marginalized areas. country.
Through progressive legislation and specialized parliamentary forums such as the Women Parliamentary Caucus and the Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs, we integrate the agenda of the landmark International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in 1994 into our national policies, Sardar Ayaz. Sadiq emphasized.
Highlighting Pakistan’s activism for women’s empowerment in all spheres of life, he informed the participants, “The country has promoted laws that address gender-based violence, ensure equal safe workplaces, and strengthen women’s socio-economic and political participation.
Although women produce up to 80 percent of food in developing countries, they do not have equal access to resources such as land and technology, he added.
Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Toshiko Abe San said Japan is increasingly recognizing the importance of empowering women in driving a green economy.
“While the country faces challenges in gender equality, significant steps are being taken to integrate gender perspectives into environmental and economic policies,” the Japanese state minister informed the meeting participants.
She also said Japan’s “Womenomics” initiative aimed to increase women’s labor force participation as a key strategy for economic growth. While the initiative has primarily focused on economic empowerment, its principles extend to the green economy, encouraging women to get involved in sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable technology.
UNFPA Pakistan Deputy Representative Ms. Latika Maskey Pradhan said that despite progress in the ICPD Program of Action, gender inequality persists as women and girls face discriminatory violence and limited opportunities in various aspects of life, especially in education, employment and decision-making.
She called on parliamentarians from the Asian region to advocate for the empowerment of women in the context of the green economy.
“Your political will is essential to create an enabling environment where women can thrive and contribute their full potential to sustainable development,” she stressed in a speech to parliamentarians from various Asian countries including Japan, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Cambodia , Jordan, Mongolia, Maldives, Egypt.
Interim CEO, Pathfinder International Dr. Tabinda Sarosh said that the discussions during the two-day regional conference would effectively help promote the inclusion of gender equality in the green economy agenda through policy making and the implementation of relevant laws for the better socio-economic situation of women. empowerment in Asian countries.
She emphasized that coping with the challenges of a growing population, sustainable development and resilience go hand in hand. And it must be recognized that women, girls and vulnerable communities are on the front lines of the fight against poverty, lack of education and health services and the impact of the climate crisis.
“Therefore, it is imperative that we as influencers and decision-makers emphasize the need for mainstreaming gender equality and women’s empowerment in environmental and climate change policies,” she told parliamentarians from various Asian countries, urging them to use their political will and promote the implementation of policies and relevant laws for gender equality and the empowerment of women by providing them with the required opportunities for education, health, employment and skills development.”
