PTI Participates in COP28 to Advance Feminist Climate Justice and Demilitarisation Advocacy

Dubai, United Arab Emirates — December 2023

The Peace Track Initiative (PTI) participated in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) through the representation of its Feminist Climate Justice Focal Point, Nesmah Mansoor Ali. As part of a delegation led by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), the mission aimed to elevate feminist perspectives from conflict-affected regions—particularly the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)—with a specific emphasis on demilitarisation as a critical response to the climate crisis.

From December 3 to 8, Nesmah joined four other feminist peace advocates, including three from the MENA region, in a strategic effort to promote inclusive and sustainable climate policies. Her participation at COP28 highlighted how the climate crisis impacts peacebuilding efforts in Yemen, and endorsed the MENA Feminist Climate Demands—a regional initiative developed within the framework of the Women and Gender Constituency (WGC), where PTI plays an active role.

Nesmah served as both the regional focal point for MENA and a key contributor to the Demilitarisation Working Group within the WGC, led by WILPF. Her involvement underscored PTI’s commitment to integrating feminist, peace, and environmental advocacy at international climate fora.

Key Milestones from COP28

• Historic recognition of fossil fuels as the primary driver of climate change was officially included in COP language for the first time.
  
  

• A dedicated Day of Peace was recognized in the COP28 agenda—marking a milestone for the integration of peace and climate discourse.
  
  

PTI Activities and Engagement Highlights

Nesmah participated in a number of strategic panels and advocacy events during the week, including:

• Panel at the German Pavilion with CFFP
  From Theory to Action: The Climate Crisis from a Feminist Foreign Policy Angle  She presented PTI’s peacebuilding work in the MENA region and addressed the urgent need for gender-responsive climate action.
  
  

• WILPF-led Direct Action on Militarisation
  The action drew attention to the environmental cost of military spending and activities, calling for systemic transformation as a climate solution.
  
  

• WILPF Side Event
  Win-Win for Climate, Gender Justice & Peace: Acting on Military Spending and Emissions
  Nesmah outlined the disproportionate impact of militarisation on women and communities in war-torn countries such as Yemen, while presenting key recommendations from the MENA Feminist Climate Demands.
  
  

• UN-UAE Side Event
  Gender Inequality of Risk: Key Considerations for Anticipatory Humanitarian Action
  Co-hosted by UNRCO-UAE, UN Women, the EU Mission to the UAE, and others, the session provided a platform to advocate for demilitarisation as a prerequisite for equitable climate and humanitarian policy.
  
  

• Report-back Webinar
  Hosted by the Arms, Militarism & Climate Justice Working Group, this session shared key insights from COP28 and reflected on regional challenges such as the role of arms imports in MENA and the lack of gender-sensitive climate narratives in mainstream media.
  
  

PTI’s Commitment Moving Forward

PTI reaffirms its commitment to advancing feminist climate justice by challenging militarisation and ensuring the meaningful inclusion of women from conflict-affected regions in global climate processes. The organisation will continue its advocacy within the Women and Gender Constituency and in collaboration with civil society partners to push for systemic solutions rooted in peace, equity, and sustainability.

For more information on PTI’s feminist climate justice work or to access the full MENA Feminist Climate Demands document, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.peacetrackinitiative.org