Indigenous women from across the globe converged at COP27, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to observe Indigenous Women's Day and amplify their voices in the fight against climate change. The event, themed "Indigenous Women as Leaders in Climate Action, Cultural Survival," provided a platform for these women to share their stories and advocate for the recognition of their crucial role in environmental protection. Many attendees also participated in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP held in the same location six years prior, highlighting the long-standing commitment of Indigenous women to environmental advocacy.
The gathering emphasized the urgent need for COP27 to translate aspirations into concrete actions. Speakers stressed the importance of meaningful inclusion of Indigenous women in climate negotiations and decision-making processes. A key demand was for increased and gender-responsive financing to support Indigenous-led climate initiatives. Participants highlighted that recognizing the rights and knowledge of Indigenous peoples must go hand-in-hand with providing them direct access to financial resources.
The event concluded with a powerful call to action, urging COP27 delegates to ensure that all climate policies, financing mechanisms, and capacity-building efforts explicitly incorporate the rights and perspectives of Indigenous women. This, they argued, is essential for achieving true climate justice and ensuring a sustainable future for all.