The OSCE event delves into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of climate change: its gendered impact on security risks. How does gender influence our experience of climate-related challenges?
On November 3, 2025, the OSCE's Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) organized a Vienna-based event titled 'Resilient Futures: Linking Climate, Gender, and Security'. This event spotlighted a research study's findings on the gender-specific dimensions of climate-related security risks in the OSCE area, conducted by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Bakyt Dzhusupov, the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, emphasized the organization's mandate to address the intersection of gender and climate action. He referenced the 2021 Ministerial Council Decision, where all 57 participating states agreed to enhance cooperation in climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation, with a focus on women's involvement in decision-making.
Kimmo Laukkanen, representing Finland's OSCE Chairmanship, highlighted Finland's dedication to promoting gender equality and climate security. This commitment sets the stage for the event's discussions.
Bárbara Magalhães Teixeira, a SIPRI researcher, presented the study's findings, advocating for systematic research and policy integration. She revealed how gender roles and inequalities significantly influence individuals' experiences and responses to climate-related security risks. Recognizing these gender dynamics, she argued, could lead to more effective and fair climate and security policies.
A panel discussion followed, featuring Teixeira, Ambassador Brian Flynn of Ireland, independent experts Silvia Sartori and Sofiia Shevchuk, and Tanja Jakobi, Director of the Public Policy Research Center in Serbia. The panel explored women's leadership, inclusive decision-making, and targeted support as strategies to bolster resilience and stability in the face of climate change.
Ambassador Flynn emphasized the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of peace, security, gender, and climate change. He highlighted the need to ensure that responses are targeted where they are most needed. Flynn's statement raises an intriguing question: Are current climate and security policies adequately addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities?
Silvia Sartori shared insights from OSCE's activities in Central Asia, showcasing how the organization empowers women as change agents in various sectors. This perspective adds a layer of complexity to the discussion: How can we ensure that gender-sensitive approaches are not just theoretical but lead to tangible improvements in people's lives?
The event was the pinnacle of a year-long series of regional dialogues, workshops, and international forums on gender, climate change, and security. These initiatives will contribute to a toolkit for policymakers, anticipated for release in 2026.
This event is part of the OSCE's extrabudgetary project, focusing on strengthening responses to climate change-induced security risks in specific regions. Funded by multiple countries, the project is a collaborative effort between the OCEEA, adelphi, and OSCE field operations.
But here's where it gets controversial: Are gender-sensitive climate policies truly effective, or do they sometimes lead to unintended consequences? The audience is invited to reflect on these questions and share their thoughts in the comments. Let's spark a discussion on how we can ensure that gender-focused initiatives in climate and security truly benefit those they aim to serve.
