As International Women’s Day is celebrated, we would like to draw special attention and gratitude toward the many brilliant female leaders, participants, and volunteers at IPBES5–especially our own Global Change Ecology students who have contributed so much to this conference.
IPBES Chair Sir Robert Walton released the following statement:
“The issue of gender is of paramount importance to IPBES, but we still have a long way to go to get balanced representation. I encourage all governments to nominate women to all IPBES structures and activities.”
While there clearly is a great deal of work remaining to better promote and elevate gender equality, one thing is certain: the work of IPBES would not be possible without the superb contributions and leadership of women.
The future is female!