Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Infrastructure for Gender Equality and Climate Action

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the climate emergency. Globally, 80% of people displaced due to climate change are women. Tackling the effects of climate change and building the resilience of communities requires robust investments in sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Rethinking how infrastructure is planned, designed and managed, with women’s empowerment in mind, offers a chance for countries most affected by climate change and natural disasters to accelerate progress on gender and climate-related SDGs and achieve gender equality.

Moreover, as countries begin to plan for a post-COVID-19 recovery, we have a unique opportunity to make bold decisions for gender-equal infrastructure and to make sure that women and girls reap the benefits of economic growth and are able to fulfil their right to a functioning home or community.

On the margins of the 66th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), UNOPS together with the governments of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Republic of Ghana will co-host a virtual side event on the role of sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructure for advancing gender equality and climate action.

Cities Alliance Director, Greg Munro, will join the panel and discuss some of our initiatives to support the planning and creation of more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities where women and girls can enjoy equal development opportunities. 

The CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The Commission is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women.