The month of March 2022, widely known as Women’s Month, began under the looming shadow of two major events that shook the world—the invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 24 February and the release of 2022 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that warns of the devastating consequences of inaction and our collective failure to address the climate crisis.

Today we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with all women living in situations of conflict, suffering the costs of political violence, fighting for freedom and survival amidst the most difficult circumstances.

We are also painfully reminded that the threats to our lives and security come in many forms, some expose entire communities, nations and ecosystems to constant danger and hazards way beyond their control—the climate crisis is one such threat.

Today we sound the alarm once more on the state of climate emergency and struggle together with the peoples of the Global South who suffer the worst impacts of a climate crisis not of their own making. And once again we salute the women who, in the face of multiple crises, stand in the frontlines of multiple fights—for survival, for an end to inequalities and tyranny, for economic and climate justice.

As we mark International Women’s Day, we affirm our resolute commitment to fight the multiple crises—the economic recessions and heavier debt burdens, climate breakdown, and conflict and violence—and build a better world. As in other regions, these worldwide problems have exacerbated entrenched inequalities, setting the clock back on what little progress has been made on gender equality and development for women and their families and communities.

Read the full statement here.