Chairwoman of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environment Protection, Princess Lalla Hasna has pointed out that women are key players in facing climate change challenges as they can bring a unique perspective and contribute original, effective measures to actions for the climate, for the protection of oceans and for the development of clean energy.
Women are at the heart of actions for the climate, for the protection of oceans and for the development of clean energy. Women are not only at the heart of these issues, at both local and global levels, but they can also bring a unique perspective and contribute original, effective measures that make them key players for change, Princess Lalla Hasnaa said in an address Thursday at the plenary session of “Women’s Forum Canada 2018”, held under the theme “Bridging the gap: A call to the G7 for inclusive progress.”
Princess Lalla Hasnaa insisted before the 700 attending leaders that women are a major asset in global climate actions and that women’s voices must be heard for the sake of inclusive, sustainable progress. Indeed, experience shows that progress – particularly inclusive, sustainable progress – cannot be achieved unless women are involved in it and benefit from it.
“The transformative potential of women’s leadership is a major asset in global climate action. Through their commitment, their perseverance and their achievements on the ground, women are attesting to this on a daily basis,” she said, paying tribute to women in the countries of the South, mainly African women, for their struggle.
If women are key players in taking up the challenges of inclusive growth and social development, this is even more true when it comes to the nagging, complex issues involved in combating climate change, protecting ecosystems and upholding the universal right to sustainable development, she added.
In her address, Princess Lalla Hasnaa surveyed the actions undertaken by morocco to promote clean energy, protect the coastline and safeguard fragile ecosystems, particularly oases.
She also explained the goals of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environment Protection, saying her Foundation strives to educate, sensitize and provide support.
“As you may realize, my work at the Foundation involves, above all, an education and awareness-raising mission to promote sustainable development. Needless to say, children and young people are a priority for us,” she added.
The action of the Foundation is aimed at raising young people’s awareness about sustainable development – from preschool level to higher education. “We do this through programs like Eco-Schools, Young Reporters for the Environment and the network of green universities,” she said noting that the Foundation seeks to introduce children, on the ground, to the reality of the sea level rise, droughts, desertification, urban pollution, global warming, and waste-related issues and threats to biodiversity.
“In other programs, such as those relating to air quality and the fight against global warming, we promote conditions conducive to exchange and dialogue. We work towards the emergence of common, accepted solutions, for they are the only ones likely to produce tangible results,” she said.
She recalled that the Foundation joined broader initiatives, such as those launched by international partners, including UNESCO, UN Environment, FAO, ISESCO, FEE and many others.
After the plenary session, Princess Lalla Hasnaa took part in a panel on “Inclusive Climate Actions” focusing on the importance of fighting climate change and pooling efforts to reach tangible results for the well-being of the planet and humanity.
The two-day forum featured plenary sessions, round tables, debates, and workshops. Participants from 85 countries attended the forum.
