WSF Meeting- Addressing the Social and Health Impacts of Climate Change in the MENA Region, 9 September 2024

On 9 September 2024, the Women for a Sustainable Future (WSF) network convened online to develop cooperation to address the social and health impacts of climate change in the MENA region. 

The discussion was led by a high-level Iranian health professor. Participants included senior diplomats, parliamentarians and former parliamentarians from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, the World Health Organization, and the UK. 

Discussions focused on how the climate crisis is fuelling conflicts in the MENA region, undermining sustainable development goals, and contributing to the resurgence of vector-borne diseases. WSF members highlighted the critical need to implement innovative water management solutions and transition towards “Wellbeing Economies” that prioritise long-term societal well-being over short-term GDP growth. Participants emphasised the importance of this cross-regional dialogue in fostering collaboration to address the environmental challenges that pose a disproportionate threat to women’s livelihoods in the MENA region.