The Power of Gender in Climate Resilience: A Critical Conversation
In a world where climate change poses an ever-growing threat, the intersection of gender and climate action takes center stage. On November 3, 2025, in Vienna, the OSCE's event, "Resilient Futures: Linking Climate, Gender, and Security," delved into this crucial topic, shedding light on how gender influences people's experiences and responses to climate-related security risks.
Bakyt Dzhusupov, the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, set the tone, emphasizing that "the intersection of gender and climate action is integral to the OSCE's mandate." He highlighted the 2021 Ministerial Council Decision, where the OSCE's participating states agreed to intensify cooperation on climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation, with a focus on women's involvement in decision-making processes.
Kimmo Laukkanen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the OSCE, added that Finland, as the OSCE Chair in 2025, is committed to promoting gender equality and climate security. This event was a testament to that commitment.
Bárbara Magalhães Teixeira, a researcher from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), presented the findings of a recent study on gendered dimensions of climate-related security risks in the OSCE area. She explained how gender roles and inequalities impact people's experiences and responses to these risks, arguing that recognizing these dynamics is key to developing more effective and equitable climate and security policies.
The event featured a panel discussion with Teixeira and other experts, including Ambassador Brian Flynn, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the OSCE; Silvia Sartori, an independent International Gender, Energy, and Climate Expert; Sofiia Shevchuk, an independent Researcher; and Tanja Jakobi, Director of the Public Policy Research Center in Serbia. The discussion, moderated by Thomas Ritzer, Senior Climate Change and Security Adviser at the OCEEA, focused on the role of women's leadership, inclusive decision-making, and targeted support in enhancing resilience and stability in the face of climate change.
Participants shared experiences and good practices from across the OSCE region, highlighting the importance of integrating gender perspectives in environmental governance, energy security, and disaster risk reduction. Ambassador Flynn emphasized the need to understand the relationship between peace, security, gender, and climate change, not just to gain insights but also to ensure targeted responses where they are most needed.
Silvia Sartori highlighted the OSCE's activities in Central Asia, where the organization empowers women to be change agents and multipliers, driving the energy transition, improving family well-being, and creating new role models. This approach, she argued, strengthens self-confidence and contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future.
The event was the culmination of a year-long series of regional dialogues, workshops, and international forums on gender, climate change, and security, held throughout 2025. These activities are part of the OSCE's extrabudgetary project, aimed at strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in various regions, and are funded by a coalition of committed nations.
But here's where it gets controversial: How can we ensure that these initiatives truly make a difference on the ground? And this is the part most people miss: It's not just about policy integration; it's about empowering individuals and communities to take ownership of their resilience and security. What are your thoughts? Do you think these initiatives will lead to tangible change? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments!
