Nature, Climate and Gender Symposium: Towards a Just and Sustainable Future

Date: 10-12 June 2025

Modality: Virtual

Introduction:

As climate and environmental crises escalate, the urgent need for equitable and effective solutions becomes paramount. There is growing global recognition of the crucial role that gender equality, human rights, and Indigenous knowledge play in building just and sustainable climate and nature actions. Yet, dominant narratives and decision-making spaces continue to marginalize those most affected – particularly women, Indigenous Peoples, and marginalized groups. This 3-day virtual symposium is organized by IUCN’s NAbSA, Global EbA Fund, and PODONG Indigenous Peoples Initiative teams with the generous support of Global Affairs Canada, the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, and the International Climate Initiative (IKI), NORAD and UNEP. The Symposium aims to spotlight bold, transformative, and grounded work integrating gender, human rights, and Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge into nature and climate action. It will be a space to share learnings, inspire action, and foster cross-project connections and solidarity.

Objectives:

• Inspire with powerful examples and reflections from movements, communities, grassroots organizations, and projects advancing rights-based approaches in climate and nature work.
• Showcase on-the-ground initiatives led by or working with knowledge holders, including women, Indigenous Peoples, elders, and youth.
• Connect practitioners and communities across geographies and generations to share tools, stories, and strategies.
• Create a synergetic and inclusive space for learning and exchanging.

Rationale:

The symposium addresses the critical gap between recognizing the importance of gender equality and human rights in climate action and effectively implementing it on the ground. By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, the event will:

• Challenge dominant narratives that exclude marginalized perspectives and lived experiences.
• Highlight the leadership and resilience of women, Indigenous communities, elders, and youth.
• Foster a sense of community, knowledge exchange, and collective action to drive transformative change.

Expected Outcomes:

• Improved understanding among participants of how climate change, biodiversity, gender equality, human rights, and Indigenous knowledge are interconnected and affect their work.
• Practical and innovative knowledge gained enabled practitioners to apply rights-based approaches more effectively in their work.
• Broader and more diverse networks and potential opportunities generated for cross-sector collaboration and partnership building.

Agenda:

Day 1: Grounding in Justice and Action

10 June 2025 | 9:00–12:00 (EST) / 15:00–18:00 (CET)

Day One sets the stage for the Symposium by focusing on the critical importance of justice and community-led action in climate and nature solutions, moving beyond conventional approaches to center equity and real-world impact.

Session 1: Beyond “Green” – A Justice-based Vision for Climate and Nature

Session 2: Project Showcase – Climate, Gender & Human Rights in Action

Day 2: Intersectional Struggles and Practical Tools

11 June 2025 | 9:00–12:00 (EST) / 15:00–18:00 (CET)

Day Two builds on the previous day by exploring the complex ways that climate change affects different groups of people and providing practical tools for creating equitable solutions.

Session 3: Intersectional Struggles & Resistance

Session 4: Project Showcase – Frameworks, Tools & Practices

Day 3: Building Movements and Future Pathways

12 June 2025 | 9:00–12:00 (EST) / 15:00–18:00 (CET)

Day Three focuses on building momentum for long-term change and creating a vision for a sustainable future.

Session 5: Financing Gender Climate Action – Shifting Power & Resources

Session 6: From Projects to Movements

Session 7: Where Do We Go From Here?

Registration link: Webinar Registration – Zoom