Climate and social justice: inclusion, public health, equity

Description

International frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and the Implementation Plan for the Decade of Sustainable Transport aim to reduce GHG emissions and promote adaptation strategies while improving the rights and living conditions of all citizens, including Indigenous peoples, young people, older people, women and non-binary people, as well as people with disabilities.

Climate change exacerbates inequalities and discrimination related to gender, age, ethnicity and income level, and these different factors of inequality often overlap. The recent UN Women “Gender Snapshot” 2026 report provides evidence of this. The poorest populations, often concentrated in informal settlements on the outskirts of major African cities, are both the most dependent on public or active transport and the most exposed to the effects of climate change (flooding, extreme heat, road deterioration and pollution).

Social justice challenges arise across mitigation and adaptation policies, food security, public health, urban planning and transport. This session will explore how to ensure the integration of marginalized populations at all levels, particularly women, in the energy transition.

Context: challenges to social justice and setbacks in achieving the SDGs

The following questions will be discussed:

• How can we prevent inequalities from worsening and ensure that the ecological transition we need to undertake serves as a lever for social justice?
• How can we ensure that NDCs and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) incorporate a gender-transformative approach?
• How can we promote universal access to basic services, including food, healthcare and natural resources?

• Which policies should we prioritize?

Speakers

• Cheikh ALI, Head of the Transport Department, Nouakchott Region

• Julien ALLAIRE, International Operations Director, Transitec
• Fatou NDOYE, Founder of the Suxali Jigeen Association
• Dr Honoré OUANTCHI, Lecturer and Researcher, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University of Cocody, Abidjan

Moderator: Anne BARRE, Gender and Climate Expert, WECF (Women Engage for a Common Future)