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There has been significant global progress in advancing gender equality, including improvement in women’s access to education, increased representation in leadership positions, and a reduction of women living in extreme poverty. Yet, critical genders gaps remain. In some areas, gender equality initiatives, programs and targets are facing setbacks, and the barriers women encounter continue to widen these gaps.

In a 1789 letter, Benjamin Franklin referenced that nothing in this world is said to be certain, “except death and taxes”. As the impact of climate change intensifies – hotter temperatures, rising sea levels and more extreme temperatures that know no border – we are introduced to life’s third certainty, or better yet unavoidable truth. Climate adaptation.

Last week, world leaders from government and business gathered in Azerbaijan for COP29 – the second most attended COP – to discuss global progress on addressing climate change.

We need to radically change the way we value nature and how we align finance with conservation goals. This was a headline message for the financial sector at COP16 - the UN Biodiversity Conference that recently welcomed global leaders in Cali, Colombia.

As our planet faces the threat of climate change, the need to accelerate decarbonization has never been more pressing. But what exactly is decarbonization? What can the public and private sector do to accelerate the pace of decarbonization and bridge the clean energy investment gap?

On this International Women’s Day, it’s essential for us to reflect on the pivotal role women play in fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).