In the coming weeks, world leaders will convene in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Climate Week to address humanity’s most pressing challenges.
At the Ford Foundation, we believe those most impacted by issues often hold the keys to transformative change. Too often, these voices are underrepresented or left out of the conversations that affect them the most. We’re working to change that.
During UNGA and Climate Week, we are taking a three-part approach grounded in the shared values of Ford and our grantees:
1. Inclusive conversations: Through dozens of events at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice and around New York, we are providing a platform for civil society leaders—especially from the global South—to share their perspectives and priorities on issues that impact them.
2. Constructive dialogues: We are bringing civil society and decision-makers together to envision new, constructive solutions to today’s most urgent challenges, including supporting new climate initiatives led by Indigenous Peoples, preventing gender-based violence around the world, and addressing the sovereign debt crisis.
3. Local to global to local solutions: We are showcasing the power of locally driven and community-based solutions that can scale to inspire global action and create lasting change.
Our Work in Action
This approach during UNGA and Climate Week builds on the continuing work of our grantees who are addressing inequality in its many forms. These areas include:
Decolonizing humanitarian aid: Shifting power in aid delivery can strengthen community agency and prosperity. Learn how in this episode of our “On What Matters” conversation series with Degan Ali, executive director of Adeso, and Martín Abregú, vice president of international programs at Ford.
Protecting civic space: Artists, cultural leaders, and organisations are using their creativity to safeguard civic space and foster a more just and inclusive society. Find out more about Ford’s “Creativity and CivicSpace” initiative.
Ensuring a just energy transition: Read how Indigenous Peoples and local communities are building a sustainable and equitable energy future.
Centering the solutions of women and gender-diverse leaders: Gender equality is the unfinished business of the 21st century. When social justice leaders emphasize the needs and experiences of women and gender-diverse people, everyone benefits.
Challenging gender-based violence and climate risk: Climate change is inflaming gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work—but women workers are leading the fight for a more just economy.
Grantees to Watch During UNGA and Climate Week
Equidem exposes both persistent and hidden human rights abuses affecting workers around the world. They empower communities and conduct research on pressing issues migrant labour conditions and the intersection of climate change and gender-based violence.“Workers’ voices are essential during UNGA and ClimateWeek,” said Mustafa Qadri, CEO of Equidem “By uniting with other Global South leaders, we can ensure that the needs, dreams, and solutions of frontline communities are not only considered but prioritized.”
The Youth Climate Justice Fund provides financial support, resources, and capacity-building opportunities to next-generation leaders working on climate and environmental issues. It focuses on strengthening existing youth-led movements by bridging the gap with funds and philanthropy to ensure that underrepresented voices are at the forefront of the fight for climate justice. “As the climate crisis deepens, it’s essential to support and invest in the multitude of ambitious solutions and initiatives led by young people all around the world,” said Cherelle Fruean, Community Manager of the YouthClimate Justice Fund.“It’s crucial that the voices of young people, who will inherit the consequences of climate change, are front and centre during UNGA and Climate Week discussions.”
Join Us in the Conversation
We invite you to follow the work of the Ford Foundation and our grantees and partners throughout UNGA and Climate Week. We’re organizing dozens of events, including:
September 17: Free Future, our international summit on solutions to end gender-based violence.
September 23: Land Dialogues, a conversation exploring ways to enable direct funding for Indigenous Peoples and other frontline communities in multilateral climate and biodiversity initiatives
September 23: Building Next Generation Leadership: a panel discussion on the role and impact youth-led funds are having to support young leaders at scale all around the world
September 26: “The Future Can’t Wait,” which includes a panel event with Devex on how we can centre women’s leadership to address the ways climate change increases women workers’ vulnerability to gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work. Don’t forget to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #UNGAxFord.
Together, let’s amplify the voices of the Global South and build a more just and equitable world.
Discover more at fordfoundation.org.
