Gender Bias COP29 Summit

In a controversial move, Azerbaijan, set to host this year’s COP29 climate summit, has faced criticism for assembling a committee comprised entirely of 28 men, with no female representation. The She Changes Climate campaign group condemned the decision, emphasizing that “climate change affects the whole world, not half of it.”

Historical Gender Disparities at Climate Talks: A Persistent Issue

Women have long struggled with underrepresentation at major climate talks, and the COP29 committee’s gender bias is seen as a regressive step. Over the 29-year history of the event, only five women have been appointed as presidents, highlighting a persistent issue that demands attention and correction.

Azerbaijan’s Controversial Lineup Draws Sharp Criticism

Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, recently announced the all-male composition of the COP29 organizing committee, comprising predominantly government ministers and officials, including the head of the state security service. This decision has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from the She Changes Climate campaign group, which expressed concern about the lack of gender parity in climate governance.

UAE’s Contrast: COP28 Committee Led by Majority Women

In stark contrast, the host nation of COP28, the United Arab Emirates, set an example by appointing a committee with 63% women. The divergence in approach between the two host nations highlights the varying commitments to achieving gender balance in climate leadership.

Calls for Gender Equality in Climate Talks Persist

Amid global climate concerns, the Women’s Equality Party in the UK voiced strong opposition to the exclusion of women from decision-making processes. They emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and the disproportionate impact it has on women. Critics argue that, especially in a time of environmental crisis, inclusivity in decision-making is crucial.

Concerns About Environmental Integrity: Fossil Fuel Industry Influence

With Mukhtar Babayev, a former state oil executive, set to lead COP29 talks as the president-designate, concerns about a potential conflict of interest have arisen. The She Changes Climate campaign group called for a clear separation between the fossil fuel industry and COP presidency to ensure environmental integrity.

The Role of the COP29 Committee: Preparing for the Summit

The COP29 committee is tasked with preparing and implementing an Action Plan governing the organization and conduct of the summit. However, the exclusion of women from this critical decision-making body has ignited discussions about the need for immediate corrective measures.

Second Consecutive Year with a Petro-State Host: Azerbaijan’s Fossil Fuel Dependence

This marks the second consecutive year that the UN’s primary climate summit will be hosted by a petro-state. Azerbaijan’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, coupled with the absence of women in its organizing committee, underscores the complex intersection of environmental and gender concerns in the lead-up to COP29.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The euro news