Statement on International Women’s Day: Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Minister of Climate Change and Environment

On International Women’s Day, as we celebrate the achievements of women and girls around the world, we must also acknowledge a challenge that disproportionately threatens their well-being and their future – the climate crisis.

An estimated 4 out of 5 people displaced by the impacts of climate change are women and girls, and when extreme weather disasters strike, women and children are 14 times more likely to die than men.

Yet, the experience of women and girls on the frontlines of the climate crisis, also makes them uniquely situated to be agents of change. This is what we are honoring at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment as we mark International Women’s Day.

Here in the UAE, women are leaders, changemakers, and skilled professionals, spearheading our nation’s journey towards a sustainable future. It is women-led organizations in the UAE that are helping to lead the way by driving innovation and implementing solutions, unlocking benefits for climate, biodiversity and people.

Our young girls and women across the nation are demonstrating exceptional talent in science, math, engineering, and technology, and their achievements are inspiring. Already 77% of Emirati women enroll in higher education after secondary school and women make up 70% of all university graduates in the UAE, with 56% of UAE government university graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) being women. As Minister for Climate Change and Environment, I understand the immense value of diverse insights and voices in tackling some of the greatest challenges facing us today.

Women are the stewards of inclusive and equitable climate action championing resilience and adaptation in the UAE, and around the world. By taking action to confront the crisis, develop solutions and build our resilience, women are shaping our sustainable future. By empowering women with the right tools, information and resources they are having a lasting impact on our climate action.

In the UAE, our leadership has long championed women’s empowerment, enabling them to effect real change and foster sustainability. Today, we honor the legacy of the women who paved the way for our success, and those who are committed to doing the same for those who follow. By championing sustainability and environmentally conscious solutions, we are committing to creating a better future for generations of women to thrive.