A Force for Just Transition: Women in Renewable Energy at SB62

BONN, GERMANY — From June 16-26, the 62nd session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) in Bonn, Germany, served as a crucial midpoint on the road to COP30. Amidst the high-stakes climate negotiations, Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) solidified its presence as a key advocate for a gender-just energy transition. With a delegation of three leaders—Shraddha Nair (WiRE UK), Stephanie Eyram Akrumah (WiRE Africa West & Ghana), and Dr. Dominica Una (WiRE British Columbia)—WiRE's mission was clear: ensure gender equity is not an afterthought but a central pillar of global climate policy.

Navigating Policy and Partnerships

WiRE's delegation navigated a complex landscape of political negotiations and mandated events. The conference's opening was delayed by procedural disputes over the agenda, but this didn't deter progress on critical issues like climate finance, gender equity, and mitigation measures.

A key highlight was the opening of the Gender and Climate mandated workshop, which aimed to identify gaps and opportunities for a more robust Gender Action Plan for a just transition. According to Nair, "The discussions around this also shaped the statement produced by WiRE during our press conference."

In addition to formal sessions, the WiRE delegates engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders. They attended a panel by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on transitioning to 100% renewable energy, which featured success stories from countries like Costa Rica and Kenya. The delegation also participated in discussions on the integrity of carbon markets and attended the Ocean and Climate dialogue, where delegates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) stressed the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems.

A Landmark Moment: WiRE's Inaugural Press Conference

*WiRE UK’s Shraddha Nair delivering WiRE’s first press conference at SB62*

The absolute highlight of WiRE's engagement at SB62 was its inaugural press conference on June 18. This landmark event provided a powerful platform for the organization to emphasize the critical need for a robust Gender Action Plan and to advocate for the direct incorporation of gender awareness into climate finance decisions.

Dr. Dominica Una's notes from the event proudly highlighted how Shraddha Nair "emphasized the need for inclusive and gender-just energy transitions," powerfully articulating the ongoing barriers women face in accessing climate finance and advocating for systemic changes. The success of this first-ever press conference for WiRE resonated deeply, drawing significant attention and informing subsequent private discussions with individual parties and other organizations regarding potential collaborations. For those who wish to experience this pivotal moment, the full press conference is available on YouTube [Link to YouTube Video Here].

Dr. Una's participation from June 19-21 further reinforced this message. She attended a variety of sessions, including Climate Action Tracker’s mid-year update and a celebration of grassroots innovations led by women at the WECF Gender Just Climate Solutions 10th Anniversary event. These engagements reaffirmed her belief in "the power of gender-responsive local solutions in climate action."

WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE

Youth, Finance, and the Path to COP30

The discussions at SB62 also underscored the interconnectedness of climate issues. During a negotiation session on the UAE just transition work program, different stakeholders voiced their priorities. Developing countries, for example, focused on securing climate finance for their transition plans, while youth organizations advocated for greater involvement in climate negotiations. These conversations highlighted a recurring theme: the necessity of inclusive processes that consider the needs of all affected groups.

In her reflection on the event, Dr. Una stated, "My participation in SB62 reaffirmed the importance of integrating gender equity and women’s leadership into all levels of climate dialogue and implementation." The delegates' work in Bonn laid the groundwork for future collaboration and advocacy.

The insights gained at SB62 will be shared with WiRE's broader networks and will support knowledge-sharing initiatives across chapters, with an eye on upcoming opportunities for collaboration on gender-focused renewable energy projects leading up to COP30.

WiRE's presence at SB62, notably marked by its highly successful first press conference, was a clear statement that a just and equitable energy transition cannot happen without the active participation and leadership of women. The work in Bonn was a significant step toward ensuring that future climate policies and actions reflect this fundamental truth.

Meet WiRE’s 2025 SB62 Delegation

Stephanie Eyram Akrumah, WiRE Ghana, WiRE Africa West

Shraddha Nair, WiRE United Kingdom

Dominica Una, WiRE British Columbia

Written by:

Andrew Osawe,

Director of Operations,

Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE)