The Government of Mongolia, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) recently held an important side event in New York City. The event focused on the climate and land degradation impact rural women and girls face. It took place during the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) 2025 on Sustainable Development under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
During the event, speakers emphasized how rural women and girls play a crucial role in food and agricultural production. Estimates show they process between 60 to 80 percent of these products. However, they remain among the most vulnerable to climate change and land degradation. Furthermore, rural women and girls often lack representation in key decision-making processes.
The gathering sought to shift the perspective. Organizers wanted to highlight rural women and girls not just as victims needing help but as active leaders driving change. This shift encourages greater participation and recognition of their role in sustainable development.
Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, delivered opening remarks. Shoko Ishikawa, Deputy Director of Policy Programme and Intergovernmental Division of UN Women, skillfully moderated the session. Their leadership set a strong tone for the discussion.
Key participants shared their insights. These included Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN; Chimguundari Navaan-Yunden, Mongolia’s Ambassador-at-large and Director of the Preparatory Office for COP17 UNCCD; Jamil Ahmad, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the UN Environment Programme’s New York Office; and Rebecca Benner, Managing Director of Climate Programs at the Nature Conservancy.
Together, they exchanged experiences on how to support women’s leadership in tackling climate challenges. They underscored the importance of nature conservation and sustainable solutions that empower rural women and girls. In summary, the event reinforced that the climate and land degradation impact rural women and girls significantly. It also stressed the need to include them in leadership roles to create lasting change.
