Bonn, Germany, April 9, 2010 — The Women and Gender Constituency (women’s ‘major group’) to the UNFCCC crafted a statement on the importance of continued progress toward an equitable post-2012 climate agreement that addresses gender considerations and supports the participation of civil society. WEDO delivered the intervention (video begins at approximately 1:42.30) today at the first meeting of the Ad hoc Working Group on Long-Term Cooperative Action during the 9-11 April Bonn Climate Change session.

The text of the statement follows:

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Esteemed colleagues, delegates, ladies and gentlemen:

While the task ahead for the AWG-LCA is great, we support you in organizing your program of work in the most comprehensive and inclusive way possible.

Delegates, in many ways, the Copenhagen LCA draft decisions reflected the history-making progress over the last two years. For the first time, the text integrated human rights, social justice and especially women and gender equality considerations. We urge you to sustain and strengthen these efforts.

A transparent process is critical to ensure a substantive outcome.  In organizing your work, we urge you not to lose sight of the progress made last year and the profound substance in the LCA discussions. The multilateral forum of the UNFCCC provides the opportunity for equitable input – and must continue to ensure civil society engagement and meaningful participation at every stage.

Thank you.