Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to consult women’s civil social groups in connection with COP26; and how they will engage with these groups.

Championing women’s roles as decision-makers, educators and climate leaders is essential if we are to deliver effective, long-term solutions to climate change and ensure that women and girls are empowered as agents of change, including at COP26.

There is a dedicated civil society and youth engagement team in the COP Unit that facilitates engagement with diverse women and gender groups in addition to a team responsible for gender policy that works on implementing the COP25 Gender Action Plan. Officials also lead 6 weekly calls with civil society and youth groups to update on COP Unit priorities and planning. Both have good representation of women’s civil society groups and are a part of the Presidency’s wider approach of ensuring civil society is at the heart of COP26 preparations.

The COP President Designate has also set up the Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council which is meeting monthly in the run up to COP26. The most recent meeting took place on 24 February 2021 where gender and climate change was discussed. Officials also regularly meet with the high level Friends of COP, who advise the UK Presidency on a variety of issues such as gender and inclusion.