The world is out of balance. Those who have the most money and are most responsible for the climate crisis, are affected the least. Meanwhile, those countries and communities who are most affected often have to go into unimaginable debt to keep their heads above water – sometimes quite literally. Adapting to the changing climate, recovering from losses and shifting to low-emissions economies are all solutions that cost money. A lot of it. Yet many countries in the Global North have not even stopped subsidising fossil fuels, let alone redirected money to combatting climate change where it matters most. Meanwhile, the most influential climate conference in the world is this year hosted by one of the planet’s largest fossil fuel companies. How does that work? Yes, countries have agreed to a loss and damage fund. But how much money is needed? Where should it go? And who should pay? Experts on climate impacts, ecofeminism and women-led solutions will come together to discuss how money got us into this crisis and how it can get us out.
About the speakers
Harjeet Singh is a global expert on climate impacts, migration and adaptation. As head of Global Political Strategy at CAN International he supports countries around the world in tackling climate change. Previously he was the Global Lead on Climate Change at ActionAid International, where he also led the work on Loss & Damage.
Ralien Bekkers is author of the book ‘Zo kan het niet langer: Tijd voor vrouwen om de klimaatcrisis op te lossen’, which discusses the problem of the patriarchy in the climate crisis and the necessity of more women as drivers for sustainable change. She has worked on international climate policy for the past decade and currently leads the work on the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action at the Dutch Ministry of Finance.
Sophie van den Ende is senior policy officer Climate Finance at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has a background in development economics. In previous positions, she worked on international cooperation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including through the multilateral development banks and with the European Commission. Currently, she works on international climate finance with a focus on private sector mobilization.
Ineza Umuhoza Grace is an Eco-Feminist, impact-driven actor and researcher in the field of climate justice and its policy. She is co-founder of the ‘Loss and Damage Youth Coalition’ and founded ‘The Green Protector’, a Rwandan NGO aiming to increase youth participation in protecting the environment through climate action. Recognitions include Global Citizen Winner 2023, Obama Leader 2022 and Nat-Geo 2020 honoree.
About the moderator
Hajar Yagkoubi is a former UN Youth Representative for the Netherlands. During her time there, she collected input from young people on human rights, security and the climate crisis to present to the UN. Currently, she works on enhancing youth participation, sustainability and human rights through her own company via public speaking and consultancy.
