Poverty eradication, gender equality and social inclusion are firmly embedded in the rights-based principle of “Leaving No One Behind” of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment is clearly stated in the Paris Climate Agreement, GGGI’s Strategic Framework, and in line with GGGI Members and Partners’ development priorities. It is founded in human rights, but in recognition that Green Growth transformations and ambitious climate action would fall short without a deliberate and ambitious focus on how to simultaneously achieve a more equal and just world where both benefits and costs of green transitions are equitably distributed. Poor countries and communities are least to blame but most affected by the climate crisis. Likewise, women and marginalized groups are disproportionally impacted. It requires strategic policy innovations, and financial and technological solutions to address the structural barriers of poverty and gender inequality. Failing to do so could not only be harmful to marginalized communities, but also undermine efforts to achieve green growth transitions and the goals of the Paris Agreement. Instead, gender equality and poverty eradication are accelerators across all SDGs, and central to having political will and public demand for ambitious green policies and reforms.

The GGGI Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025 lays out pathways for inclusive green growth, ensuring a strong and systematic focus on meaningful participation, equal access to benefits and social safeguard management at all stages of green growth and climate action processes. Co-benefits in the context of GGGI’s work with Members is defined as SDG alignment with attention to human rights, principles for “just transitions” and promotion of peace and stability. Co-benefits are generated across all GGGI’s Programmatic Solutions and in the areas of: Decent, green Jobs Creation and sustainable livelihoods particularly for women, youth and informal sector actors; improved health; access to sustainable services in sectors such as energy, transport, sanitation and waste; and, enhanced resilience and adaptation for communities most vulnerable to climate change.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impacts on increased poverty, gender inequality and declining human development, has further emphasized the importance of a new green and gender-transformative model for development. GGGI is also supporting Members and Partners on green recovery with aim to “build back better”.