Statement by the Director-General, Ms Jan Beagle
Over four decades, the International Development Law Organization. has championed the rule of law as a catalyst for fostering peace and sustainable development.
Our experience has taught us that climate change is not merely an environmental challenge.
It is fundamentally a crisis of justice.
For this reason, IDLO believes that putting justice at the heart of climate action can accelerate the achievement of the goals of the Paris Agreement, and the 2030 Agenda.
Allow me to share three ways in which the rule of law can accelerate progress on climate action.
First, we need fair laws and the institutional capacity to implement them.
At the international level, they can promote the trust and accountability needed to mobilize climate finance, and deal with issues of loss and damage equitably.
At the national level, they can help countries deliver on their climate commitments, from the green energy transition to the implementation of effective mitigation and adaptation measures.
Second, climate change is not gender neutral. The rule of law can enable the full and equal participation of women and girls in climate action, including through the elimination of discriminatory laws and policies.
Third, the rule of law can empower communities that are at the forefront of climate change, and most vulnerable to its impact, to claim their environmental rights and participate in climate decision-making.
This in a nutshell is what the rule of law has to offer.
IDLO is committed to working with all of you to promote a more just, green and sustainable future through the rule of law.