On September 6th, the Global Climate Innovation Summit took place at the United Nations Headquarters, organised by the Global Climate Innovation Center (GCIC). The summit gathered global leaders to advance international collaboration and promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ambassador Beresford-Hill participated in the Second Roundtable Panel Discussion, focused on the theme “Empowering Women and Children for Global Progress.” He discussed key issues with Meg Gardinier, Secretary General of ChildFund Alliance, Kathryn Marshall, human rights lawyer, and Wendy C. Li, Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, while sharing details of the Sovereign Order of Malta’s global initiatives supporting women and children.

One area of focus was the Order’s work in Haiti, where it supports the creation of inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities for women and children. The Ambassador drew attention to the women’s fish-selling associations established in the country’s Nippes Department which aim to improve business practices and market access. He also discussed the Order’s ‘Womenpreneurs4Plastic’ initiative in Nepal, Indonesia and the Philippines, which continues to empower women by providing training in business plan development, management and negotiation, as well as supporting them to avoid falling victim to predatory business practices, in order to foster financial independence and sustainable community growth.

The panel also addressed the role of women and children in intergenerational leadership and sustainable decision-making. Ambassador Beresford-Hill discussed the Order’s work in Colombia, highlighting its initiatives providing single mothers with training on the restoration of mangrove forests. As well as guiding women on how they can benefit economically from their restoration, the project focuses on encouraging mothers to pass their knowledge onto their children, as well as promoting women as leaders and role models within their communities, in an effort to ensure that children become engaged in long-term efforts for sustainable development.

In addition to this discussion, the Summit also featured insightful dialogue on other issues, such as “Innovative Technologies for a Sustainable Future,” “The Role of Space Technologies in Supporting Sustainable Development on Earth,” “UN Collaboration with Local Governments,” and “Investment and Business Opportunities in the Green Economy.”