UN Women Calls for a Transformative GAP at COP30
As delegates gather in Belém, Brazil for COP30, UN Women is urging world leaders to place gender equality at the heart of climate policy. The organization argues that a transformative, well-funded, and accountable Gender Action Plan (GAP) is essential to ensure that climate action advances not just emission reductions but also the rights and participation of women and gender-diverse communities.
Why Gender Equality Is Central to Climate Action
Climate change affects everyone, but its impacts are not distributed equally. Women and marginalized groups often bear a disproportionate burden from extreme weather, drought, and displacement, while also facing barriers to leadership in climate decision-making. Integrating gender perspectives into climate policy can improve resilience, unlock inclusive adaptation strategies, and drive more effective mitigation efforts. UN Women emphasizes that advancing gender equality is not a side benefit of climate action—it is a catalyst for better outcomes for society as a whole.
The Gender Action Plan (GAP): What It Must Include
UN Women outlines several core components for a credible GAP. First, dedicated, transparent funding is necessary to implement gender-responsive climate programs at national and local levels. Second, accountability mechanisms should be embedded in climate finance and policy processes, with clear metrics to track progress on women’s leadership, access to resources, and impacts on vulnerable groups. Third, GAP must ensure meaningful participation of women and gender-diverse people in planning, implementation, and monitoring. Finally, the plan should align with broader Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that climate goals reinforce equity, health, economic opportunity, and education.
Funding and Accountability: The Twin Pillars
Without adequate funding, gender-responsive projects risk stagnation or collapse. UN Women calls for multi-year commitments, predictable budgets, and streamlined reporting to avoid red tape that delays essential programs. On accountability, GAP should establish independent reviews, public disclosures of progress, and consequences for failing to meet targets. These mechanisms will help maintain political will and ensure that money translates into tangible benefits for women and communities on the ground.
What Governments and Partners Can Do Now
Leaders can take concrete steps to advance the GAP at COP30 and beyond. This includes integrating gender analyses into climate strategies, strengthening social protection for households affected by climate shocks, and expanding leadership pipelines for women in climate science, finance, and policy. International financial institutions should tie climate funds to gender criteria, while national governments can mainstream gender across ministries and climate action plans. Civil society, academics, and the private sector all have a role in monitoring progress and innovating gender-responsive solutions.
Global Goals and Local Realities
The GAP is not a distant ideal; it is designed to translate global commitments into local impact. Community-led adaptation projects, safe energy access for women, and inclusive disaster risk reduction programs can all benefit from a robust GAP framework. As Belém hosts high-stakes negotiations, the emphasis on gender equality can help ensure climate policies are just, effective, and sustainable over the long term.
Looking Ahead
UN Women argues that adopting a fully funded, accountable GAP at COP30 would send a powerful signal that gender equality is integral to climate resilience. The conference presents an opportunity to mobilize political will, unlock new funding, and accelerate progress toward a greener, fairer future. The world will be watching to see whether climate ambition is matched by commitment to gender justice.
