[Gcap-mujeres] More on climate change/ mas sobre cambio climatico

[ana]

Queridas amigas (espanhol en mensaje aparte)
Dear friends,
following my message this morning, let me tell you that we have seen some 
interesting presentations at the plenary today. As you know, this is the 
meeting of the subsidiary bodies of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework 
Convention on Climate Change). Many see this meeting as the last opportunity 
to reach agreements before the Conference itself that will take place in 
Copenhagen in December. There are many issues at stake: reduction of 
emmissions -linked to mitigation and adapation-, technology transfer, 
financing and capacity building, as the key issues that build up the body of 
the convention. Within this complex text (and even more complex negotiations) 
we are tryibng to ensure that gender sensitive language is included in all 
parts of the negotiation. We have added our efforts to the group coordinating 
this which is the Global Gender and Climate Alliance (GGCA) formed by more 
than 30 civil society and UN agencies. I am here as part of the Advocacy Team 
that is being coordinated by WEDO. There are women -and men!- from Africa, 
Asia, the US, Latin America and Europe. We are coordinating very well the 
work trying to cover all the daily sessions, the side events and to approach 
governments with the specific text we have prepared. I am glad to say that 
this morning Iceland made a great presentation that basically referred only 
to the importance of gender equality!! The delegate from Iceland talked about 
the need to ensure gender participation at all levels of the adaptation 
process, that women have a role to play and therefore they should be granted 
access to technology, information and finance. He said that advancing gender 
equality was in line with previous commitments; that women and girls are more 
exposed to climate change and that therefore gender considerations should 
guide the adaptation framework. Iceland was one of the countries the team had 
approached the previous day. 
South Africa and Ecuador talked after Iceland and also made specific and 
positive references to gender. We have also approached several other 
governments. I personally talked witht he delegations of Argentina and 
Uruguay, and handed in text to both of them. In the case of Uruguay it is 
clear we can expect specific support. The delegate also gave us information 
on the other key delegations to approach.
On Monday there was a side event organised by GGCA and the ambassfors from 
Finland and Sweden were there. The Finish ambassador committed herself to 
provide Euros 500.000 to support official women delegates to Copenhagen. And 
the Swedish ambassador, though not committing himself specifically, did 
suggest some entry points. 
As you can see, there are positive moves. I will try to keep you informed in 
the coming days. And feel free to send any comments you might have or names 
of your country delegates who migth be here in Bonn and we should approach. 
Greetings,
Ana