Opinion: To strengthen climate resilience we must empower all voices

In the face of an escalating climate crisis, inclusivity has become a cornerstone of effective climate action, highlighting the need to incorporate diverse voices and knowledge systems into resilience-building efforts.

The Race to Resilience campaign embodies this commitment, working to ensure that no community is overlooked in the global response to climate change. By focusing on empowering women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, civil society, and individuals with disabilities, the campaign recognizes that true resilience requires the engagement and leadership of those most affected by climate impacts.

Indigenous Peoples and local communities, in particular, play a vital role in resilience-building through their deep-rooted knowledge systems and sustainable practices. Their stewardship of biodiversity and unique insights into land and resource management are essential for creating strategies that not only address climate impacts but also support ecosystem health. A 2023 UN statement reaffirmed their agency and autonomy, underscoring the importance of respecting Indigenous sovereignty and contributions in the global climate framework.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Race to Resilience campaign emphasizes that achieving climate resilience and social equity are interconnected goals. The SDGs provide a framework for addressing the world’s complex social, economic, and environmental challenges, making inclusivity in climate action both a moral imperative and a practical approach to achieving sustainable development.

The campaign’s approach also extends to empowering marginalized groups by ensuring they have the resources, platforms, and opportunities necessary to actively participate in climate resilience initiatives. Women’s leadership, for example, is essential not only for advancing gender equality but for strengthening climate strategies, as women often play key roles in managing resources within their communities. Engaging youth brings fresh perspectives and encourages innovation, driving transformative change and creating a multigenerational approach to resilience.

With an ambitious goal of building resilience for 4 billion people by 2030, the Race to Resilience campaign prioritizes creating spaces where underrepresented groups can share their insights and influence climate action. Events and dialogues within the framework provide vital platforms for these voices, ensuring that climate resilience strategies are inclusive, culturally responsive, and better equipped to address the needs of diverse communities.

Through the Race to Resilience, climate action becomes a truly collaborative endeavour, harnessing the strengths of all communities to build a more sustainable and resilient world. By centering those most affected by climate change and enabling them to shape solutions, the campaign sets a standard for equitable, effective climate action. In doing so, it reinforces that only through inclusivity and shared commitment can we address the complex challenges of the future and work together towards a just and climate-safe world for future generations to thrive in.

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