For International Women’s Day 2026, the United Nations calls for urgent action on “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” reminding the world that gender equality remains unfinished business. This year’s theme is a rallying cry to dismantle entrenched barriers, accelerate justice for women and girls, and anchor all climate, development, and governance efforts in human rights and gender equity.
In November 2026, at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, countries took a bold step forward with the Belém Gender Action Plan a major milestone guiding governments toward gender‑responsive climate policy, higher ambition, and a just workforce transition.
To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, this webinar spotlights how Eswatini and Sri Lanka —two climate‑vulnerable Commonwealth countries — are integrating gender and inclusivity into their climate commitments. Both countries are driving forward ambitious reforms to ensure women, youth, and marginalised groups shape and benefit from climate finance, adaptation, and mitigation efforts.
National experts and advisers from the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) will share insights on embedding gender and social inclusion into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and broader climate action.
Objectives
- To highlight gender-responsive climate action to mark International Women’s Day
- To facilitate cross-country learning by sharing experiences of climate policy and finance from Eswatini and Sri Lanka
- To demonstarte the role of Commonwealth technical assistance, including through embedded climate finance and gender advisers, in strengthening institutional capacity and inclusive project pipelines, and
- To share knowledge so that these lessons inform and influence COP30 discussions, whether through formal submissions, side events, or regional coordination efforts.
Participants and guests
- Gender and climate change policy makers from Commonwealth countries
- International organisations and development agencies supporting gender-responsive climate action and finance
- Civil society working on climate change and sustainable development
- Gender and climate finance experts and researchers
Speakers include:
- Uzoamaka Nwamarah, Head of Climate Change, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Nomzamo Dlamini, Director Gender and Family Issues, Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Eswatini
- Dr Gina Maswabi, Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser, Sri Lanka
- Dr Deepa Pullanikkatil, Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser, Eswatini
- Jennifer Namgyal, Interim Senior Director, Social Development, Youth and Gender, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Sonia Paiva, Woman Farmer Foundation, Eswatini
- Rex Brown, Expert and UNDP Consultant
- Dr Nancy Omolo, Commonwealth Climate Finance Gender Advisor
- Suresh Yadav, Director, Climate Change and Oceans Directorate, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Moderator: Mxolisi Sibanda, Climate Change Adviser, Commonwealth Secretariat
For more information
Please contact: [email protected]
