- Date: March 10, 2025
- Time: 16:45-18:00 (New York time)
- Venue: Conference Room A, UN General Assembly Building, New York
- Registration: Please register for this event through the following link: https://bit.ly/BCC-Green-SMEs
Join for an important panel discussion exploring the intersection of women’s empowerment and green economic transition within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This event is jointly organized by SESRIC, the OIC Permanent Observer Mission to the UN, and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The event builds upon the Declaration on the Baku Climate Coalition for SMEs’ Green Transition announced during COP29 in Azerbaijan. The panel will address how environmentally sensitive policies can be integrated with women-centered approaches to create sustainable economic growth while reducing inequalities. Discussions will align with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW).
Key Themes
- Women’s Role in Green Transition: Exploring how women’s entrepreneurship and workforce development can drive achievement of SDGs and green economic transformation
- Social and Economic Inclusion: Strategies to enhance women’s participation in labor markets, business leadership, and entrepreneurship
- Integrated Policy Approaches: Examining how women-sensitive and environment-sensitive policies can work together
- Innovation for Rural Women: Addressing barriers and identifying opportunities for women in underdeveloped areas
Featured Speakers
- H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK, Director General of SESRIC
- Mr. Rufat ATAKISHIYEV, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) of Azerbaijan
- H.E. Bahar MURADOVA, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of Azerbaijan
- H.E. Dima AL-KHATIB, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)
- H.E. Amb. Hameed Ajibaiye OPELOYERU, OIC Permanent Observer to United Nations
Expected Outcomes
Participants will gain insights into actionable strategies for increasing women’s participation in the green economy, with specific focus on policy recommendations, funding mechanisms, and innovative approaches adaptable to various contexts. The panel aims to produce guidance on integrated approaches that combine gender equality with environmental sustainability, supporting both women’s empowerment and climate action simultaneously.