Dear Meghna,
Thank you  for sharing your reflections in *Bridging Gaps: Challenges for South Asian Young Women in Global Climate Forums*,  which was part of the webinar series you convened late last year. I found your post very thought-provoking, and I appreciate the honesty and courage it takes to highlight systemic barriers that so many young women, particularly from South Asia, face in international climate spaces.

As we move further into 2025, I can't help but feel that this conversation is far from over. The challenges you raised continue to echo in other regions as well. Across Africa, for example, more than 400 million people still lack access to safe water, and young women often carry the heaviest burdens in the face of climate change. Yet, their voices remain too often absent in the very spaces where decisions are made.

This leaves me wondering: 

1. Could these dialogues be expanded to other regions of the Global South, such as Africa or Latin America? -
2. Might the insights from the 2024 series feed into wider advocacy efforts ahead of COP30? -
3. And how can we make participation in these spaces more inclusive and accessible, despite the barriers of language, geography, and digital divides?

I believe regional solidarity is not only important, but essential for true global climate equity. Just as young women from South Asia are showing leadership,  Africa's youth are equally eager to step forward. If only they are given the opportunity.

Thank you again for sparking this much-needed conversation. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, and also learning from others in this community who may have perspectives to share.

Kind regards,
Benny

We invite you to join us for the third and final chapter of our webinar series, “Empowering South Asian Youth in Global Water Platforms: Addressing Representation Gaps and Enhancing Engagement,” focusing on the challenges faced by South Asian young women in global climate forums.
This session, “Bridging Gaps: Challenges for South Asian Young Women in Global Climate Forums,” will shed light on the systemic barriers that prevent young women from participating meaningfully in international platforms like COP29. It will also explore how such forums can evolve to become more inclusive, ensuring the voices of young women from the Global South are amplified and their contributions valued.
Join us as our distinguished panelists share their unique journeys of navigating these barriers and provide actionable insights on promoting equity, inclusivity, and impactful representation in climate governance.
Save the Date:
📅 Monday, December 2, 2024
⏰ 10:00 AM ET | 4:00 PM CET | 7:30 PM Afghanistan | 8:00 PM Pakistan | 8:30 PM India | 8:45 PM Nepal
🔗 Register here
Let’s work together to bridge the gaps in representation and build a more inclusive future for South Asian women in climate action!