Driving Climate Action between Tunisia and Morocco

“Ladies First” Association Participates in the International Conference on Climate Change in Essaouira

From October 31 to November 2, 2024, the "Ladies First" association, with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom - Tunisia, participated in the International Conference on Climate Change in Essaouira, Morocco. This event brought together international experts, researchers, and organizations to discuss the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on the economy, environment, and societies.

Strengthening Capacities and Empowering Women

The association's participation in the conference aimed to strengthen its capacities to address climate challenges and empower women to face the effects of climate change. The event provided a unique opportunity for Ladies First to learn from international experts, share best practices, and build relationships with organizations working on climate issues.

Field Visit and Panel Discussions

The conference kicked off with a field visit to the women's cooperative "Tamont", specialized in the production of food and cosmetic argan oil. This visit allowed the association to understand the value chain of argan production and the role of rural women in the local economy and conservation of natural resources.

The conference also featured panel discussions on climate challenges and their impact on the economy, environment, and societies. Participants discussed the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy and shared insights from different sectors.

Workshops and Training Sessions

Ladies First also participated in a workshop on building alliances for transformative climate action, presented by Ms. Andrea Ramirez Agudelo, a researcher at the United Nations Environment and Human Security Institute (UN-EHS). The workshop aimed to sensitize participants on the importance of building strong and influential coalitions to support climate action efforts.

On the final day, the association participated in a training workshop on climate negotiation techniques, presented by Mr. Abdelaziz Yahyaoui, Professor at Qadi Ayyad University. The workshop aimed to enhance participants' understanding of international climate negotiation frameworks and develop negotiation skills to solve climate issues collaboratively and effectively.

Next Steps

The conference concluded with a final session that brought all participants together to review recommendations and next steps for climate action. Ladies First utilized this international event to strengthen its network of relationships with international organizations and exchange experiences on climate best practices.

This participation was an additional step in strengthening the association's role in empowering women to face the challenges of climate change. By sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences, Ladies First is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of women and communities affected by climate change.