‘Excluding women from decision making’: Campaigners condemn Azerbaijan’s all-male COP29 committee

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🗞️ Driving the news: Azerbaijan, the host of the upcoming COP29 climate summit, has faced criticism for forming an all-male organizing committee
• This decision has been condemned by campaigners and organizations for excluding women from key decision-making roles in climate discussions
• The committee, consisting of 28 men, reflects a broader issue of gender underrepresentation in major climate talks

🔭 The context: Azerbaijan, a nation reliant on fossil fuels, has a history of oil production
• The appointment of an all-male committee is seen as a step back in achieving gender parity in climate governance
• This move is particularly striking given that only five women have been presidents in 29 years of the COP event, highlighting a long-standing gender gap in climate leadership

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Gender diversity in climate decision-making is crucial, as climate change disproportionately affects women worldwide
• Inclusive representation ensures diverse perspectives and solutions, which are essential in addressing the global climate crisis effectively

⏭️ What's next: Campaigners and organizations are calling for equal representation and a firewall between the fossil fuel industry and the COP presidency
• The controversy surrounding Azerbaijan's committee composition may prompt discussions on improving gender parity and environmental integrity in future climate summits

💬 One quote: The world is on fire, our climate is in crisis, women are disproportionately affected. So what’s the COP29 committee’s revolutionary idea to save the planet? Excluding women from decision making… of course!” (UK-based Women's Equality Party)

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