Statement by the Director-General, Ms Jan Beagle
It is a pleasure to speak with you today on behalf of the International Development Law Organization.
The rule of law can be a powerful means for addressing climate vulnerability.
As has been explored in previous sessions, the causes and effects of the climate crisis are closely linked to issues of fairness, justice and equity.
While climate change affects everyone, it does not do so equally.
It is a magnifier of existing vulnerabilities and inequalities
It is those who are least responsible for the climate change—women, children, indigenous peoples, marginalized communities—who are often the most affected.
Communities and groups at the frontlines of the crisis frequently have little say in climate related decision making.
For these reasons, IDLO is a proponent of applying a justice lens to climate action to ensure that it is both effective and equitable.
The term “climate justice” may mean different things to different people.
At the core of the concept is the realization that addressing justice issues must be part of the response to climate change.
IDLO’s approach to climate justice seeks to advance transformative climate action by:
- Investing in people-centered laws and institutions to enable ambitious climate action while equitably distributing costs and benefits,
- Ensuring fair and inclusive climate decision-making, particularly for people and groups traditionally excluded from such processes, and
- Building justice systems that can fairly and expeditiously resolve climate-related disputes
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has found that prioritizing justice, equity and inclusive governance in climate action leads to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
Climate justice is therefore not just about fairness—it’s also about ensuring that our societies thrive and remain resilient in the face of unprecedented climate challenges.
Ignoring inequalities risks deeper societal divisions and unrest, which can erode social cohesion, economic growth, and political stability.
Empowering marginalized groups to contribute to climate solutions can unlock untapped potential and drive economic growth.
Addressing inequality as part of climate action can build public trust in government institutions and helping secure public buy-in for climate measures.
Drawing on IDLO’s four decades of experience working across 90 countries, I would like to share three ways in which the rule of law can accelerate climate action and the critical role of parliamentarians.
First, the rule of law is essential in creating the trust and stability needed for international climate agreements to succeed.
When countries commit to climate targets, strong legal and regulatory frameworks are needed to translate those commitments into action, ensure compliance, and mutual accountability.
Parliamentarians are essential in building this trust through transparent, consistent, and enforceable laws.
By enacting policies that promote green growth—such as incentives for renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable industries—you can create the conditions for economic development that benefit both people and the planet.
Clear and enforceable laws give businesses the confidence to invest in green technologies and innovation, driving progress toward a low-carbon future.
When commitments are honoured and there is accountability for climate action, it builds the trust needed for deeper collaboration.
This cooperation is key to tackling transnational challenges such as carbon emissions, as well as issues related to loss and damage, which becomes particularly important as we look towards the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance.
Second, the rule of law can help catalyze the contribution of women and girls to the fight against climate change.
We know that climate change is not gender neutral - women are disproportionately affected by climate impacts due to unequal access to resources, discriminatory social norms, and economic barriers.
At the same time, women are also powerful agents of change.
Across the world, women are key players in food production and land management. However, they often face systemic barriers to accessing land, credit, and climate-resilient technologies.
By removing these barriers and supporting women farmers with secure land rights, training, and resources, we can boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and strengthen community resilience to climate shocks.
Research consistently shows that when women are involved in decision-making, climate policies and programs are more effective, sustainable, and inclusive.
Yet, women remain underrepresented in climate and environmental decision-making at all levels – nationally and internationally.
This week in Baku, of the 78 heads of state and government who gathered for the COP29 leaders’ photo, only 8 were women.
IDLO works to raise awareness of the importance of eliminating discriminatory laws and policies.
We recently collaborated with the Philippines, for instance, to conduct a comprehensive legal assessment of the gender-responsiveness of over 50 domestic laws and regulations with a climate or environmental dimension, with specific recommendations for action.
Parliaments can ensure that women and girls are full partners in climate action by enacting gender-responsive climate legislation, ensuring women’s equal participation in leadership roles, and supporting initiatives that expand access of women and girls to education, technology, and economic opportunities.
Third, the rule of law can empower people and communities to contribute to transformative climate action.
Participatory governance gives people a voice in decisions related to climate action and the sustainable use of land and natural resources, ensuring that they are inclusive and responsive to local needs and, therefore, more sustainable.
IDLO promotes inclusive climate decision-making, particularly at the community level.
For example, last year, IDLO supported Kilifi County in Kenya, to develop climate change legislation and policies to strengthen the county’s climate resilience, integrate climate action across development sectors, and ensure that marginalized groups have a voice in related decision-making.
This effort involved a Participatory Climate Risk Assessment with diverse stakeholders and the development of gender-responsive adaptation strategies.
Parliaments can enact laws that preserve civic space and protect the rights of indigenous peoples, women, migrants, and other vulnerable groups.
This includes recognizing land rights, providing legal recourse against environmental harms, and ensuring access to justice for those affected by climate change.
It is also crucial to engage with customary and informal justice systems, which govern land use and serve as the primary means of resolving climate-related disputes in many communities.
For instance, IDLO has supported the establishment of Mobile Alternative Dispute Resolution Centres in Somalia and Somaliland which provide free, locally legitimate mechanisms for resolving disputes.
They combine mediation, arbitration, Xeer, and Sharia norms, ensuring culturally sensitive justice services, while aligning with international standards.
By collaborating with local institutions, including the Ministry of Justice and the University of Hargeisa, and receiving climate forecasts to identify hotspots, the centres have been able to address many climate-related disputes effectively.
These are just some examples of how a rule of law approach can accelerate climate action.
Climate justice starts with parliamentarians.
By enacting laws and policies that enable climate action, promote inclusive governance, and protect the rights of vulnerable populations, you can transform lives and accelerate progress towards a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future.
IDLO looks forward to working with all of you in this joint effort and I look forward to our discussion.