Overview
The UNFCCC COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, from 10-21 november, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in global climate negotiations. As the first COP hosted in the Amazon region, it brings renewed focus to climate justice, biodiversity, and the urgent need for inclusive, place-based solutions. COP30 gathers world leaders, scientists, civil society, and innovators to accelerate action toward the goals of the Paris Agreement and ensure no one is left behind.
On 17 November 2025, WOMENVAI and its international partners convened a high-level side event titled Urban Policy Strategies for Equity, Mobility, and Health under Climate Change. Held in the Blue Zone at the Hangar Convention and Fair Centre of the Amazon, the session brought together experts and institutions committed to inclusive urban transformation.
This event explores how inclusive urban planning can foster climate resilience and improve public health outcomes. Discussions focused on the intersection of transport, policy, and equity—highlighting the importance of low-carbon mobility, universal design, and access to green spaces. Participants examined how these strategies can help build healthier, safer, and more equitable cities in the face of climate challenges.
The session is co-organized by a diverse coalition of academic, professional, and civil society partners: University of Bari (Italy), Swiss Engineering Geneva (Switzerland), Cracow University of Technology (Poland), World Federation of Public Health Associations (Canada), Beyond Climate Collaborative (Italy), American Psychological Association & Global Psychology Alliance (Brazil), Climate Cares Centre (UK), Vaada Hope Foundation (India), UNEP Women’s Major Group.
This collaborative effort reflects a growing global commitment to gender-responsive, climate-smart urban policy. For more information or to connect with the organizers, please contact WOMENVAI.
Speakers
Elisabetta Venezia, University of Bari, Italy
Yvette Ramos, WOMENVAI Swiss Engineering Geneva, Switzerland
Lidia Zakowska, Cracow University of Technology, Poland
Hannah Marcus, World Federation of Public Health Associations, Canada
Daniela Alba, Beyond Climate Collaborative, Italy
Graciella Faico, American Psychological Association, Global Psychology Alliance, Brazil
Lylian Coelho, WOMENVAI, Brazil
Jessica Newberry Le Vay, Climate Cares Centre, UK
Harshita Umesh, Vaada Hope Foundation, India
Rabeb Aloui, UNEP Women’s Major group, TU