The Undeniable Value of Cross-Generational Dialogues
Words by Frances Storey
Image Credit: Nicole Gormley
On 6 December 2023, during COP28 in Dubai, the hope for a climate resilient and equitable future was actualised. Through cross-generational stories and exchange of lived experiences, lessons were borrowed and community was fostered.
The Women and Gender Constituency curated a beautiful feminist space that hosted gender-climate-nexus focused dialogues throughout the two weeks of COP28. SHE Changes Climate in collaboration with the Arctic Angels had the privilege of bringing together COP28 attendees such as Laura Clarke, CEO of ClientEarth; Tiskiko King, Australian Communities Foundation’s First Nations Program Manager and SHE Changes Climate Ambassador from Australia; Jojo Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO of Stop Ecocide International; Joi Lee, Head of Editorial at Earthrise Studio; Prachi Shevgaonkar, Founder & CEO of Cool The Globe App for Climate Action and Arctic Angel; and Tafadzwa Kurotwi, SHE Changes Climate Ambassador.
“If you change the story, you can change the system.” Joi Lee
The idea behind this event was to foster deeper connection between women who are leading in their fields and women who are starting and scaling their professional journeys. The speakers shared their stories working as communication professionals, and law and policy experts, digging into the lessons learnt during their brief and vast tenures.
The cross-generational dialogue was opened up through sharing of experience. Speakers further along in their careers shared how their backgrounds in law and communications have supplemented and amplified their climate activism and efforts. It was soon clear that to begin and grow in the climate space requires tenacity that can only be fuelled by passion. As attendees spoke about the value of capacity building at the start of one's career community building was a key piece to the journey. This is a critical component to sustaining your movement and personal well-being, especially in the climate and gender sector where resources are often limited.
“Change is possible by looking at what (resources) you have,
and working with that.” Jojo Mehta
Across the definitions of community, it became clear how crucial mentorship is – from peer-to-peer learning to career guidance from more-experienced professionals. One of the ways that enriches the community is working in partnership, which makes this type of work more meaningful and cross-cutting. Having people around us who understand our work and care about who we are makes it that much more sustainable and energising. The resounding message was that even with work, we must spend time with people and communities that replenish our energy. The power of conversation and holding space for more of these kinds of conversations came up, this is a tool we can all reach for.
Overall, what this transformative dialogue brought to light is the continued need to host and safeguard feminist spaces where we can build community. Learning from the leaders who have walked the journey before us as well as reflecting on what lessons we can still learn remains a critical component of a sustainable and just climate movement.
