Nauru has made a clarion call for climate action and resourcing to recognise the women on the frontline of the global crisis.
Delivering the Nauru national statement at the CSW69 global report card session on the status of women, HE. Lara Daniel, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Nauru to the United Nations, spoke of climate change as “the single greatest threat to our security and livelihoods, undermining stability and resilience across our Blue Pacific.”
Nauru has introduced a new Gender-Responsive Climate Change Policy to integrate gender equality in climate action, disaster risk management, and pandemic response. The policy supports the Nauru National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS).
“Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and environmental degradation create severe security implications, particularly for women and girls–women, central to community resilience, must be empowered with the necessary resources to drive sustainable solutions.”
Ambassador Daniel called for enhanced international cooperation “to ensure gender-responsive climate policies are prioritised and adequately funded.”
Like all other nations presenting at the plenary sessions, Nauru has reaffirmed its commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Globally, the CSW69 has much work remains to be done.
“In Nauru, we continue to advance policies and programs that promote gender equality, strengthen women’s leadership, and ensure their full and meaningful participation in all aspects of society,” she said.
Legal protections and support services for survivors continue to inform efforts “to shift societal attitudes through education and advocacy. However, this is not a challenge that any nation can address alone”, said Ambassador Daniel, who urged the global community to enhance partnerships, share best practices, and invest in programs that protect and empower women everywhere.
Noting the An Towepo Declaration of the Micronesian Minister for Women’s Conference last April, Nauru has recently endorsed a National Women’s Policy, Sexual Harassment Policy, Gender Mainstreaming Policy, Child Protection Zero To three Center Policy as well as the National Action Plan for Gender Equality Policies.
“As we move forward, Nauru reaffirms its dedication to the full and accelerated implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action,” ended Ambassador Daniel, “We must continue to build a world where women and girls are free from discrimination, have equal access to opportunities, and can fully contribute to the development of our societies…The time for action is now. The future of our nations, our communities, and our planet depends on it.
