Dr. Avgerinopoulou Leads Key Initiatives at COP29, Promoting Gender Equality, Forest Protection, and Ocean Conservation

Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister for the Oceans, plays a leading role in the activities of the Greek delegation at COP29. Actively participating in high-level discussions and panels, Dr. Avgerinopoulou advances initiatives on critical environmental issues, focusing on gender equality, the resilience of Mediterranean forests, and ocean conservation.

As coordinator and organizer of multiple panels, Dr. Avgerinopoulou led a dynamic side event titled “Women Leaders for the Environment and Climate,” which brought together prominent women leaders from around the world. The panel discussed the importance of empowering women in climate action and environmental policymaking, exploring how female leadership can deliver concrete solutions for climate resilience and sustainable development. The discussion highlighted the need to integrate gender considerations into climate finance and policies, as current financing mechanisms often overlook the specific needs of women. Dr. Avgerinopoulou referred to recent data from the United Nations Environment Programme, emphasizing that women—particularly in vulnerable regions—face increased risks from climate-related disasters, while access to climate finance remains limited. The panel featured distinguished speakers, including ministers, CEOs, and young global leaders, who shared insights on advancing gender equality in climate action.

Dr. Avgerinopoulou also organized a high-level panel focused on the protection of Mediterranean forests, addressing urgent challenges posed by climate change such as wildfires, droughts, and desertification. The discussion explored strategies to enhance the resilience of these unique ecosystems, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation and policy harmonization. Dr. Avgerinopoulou stressed the importance of mobilizing resources and strengthening partnerships to protect these vital forests, which are crucial for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and the economic stability of local communities.

In addition to her work on gender equality and forest protection, Dr. Avgerinopoulou played a central role in the ocean conservation event held in preparation for the 10th Our Ocean Conference. This panel highlighted the importance of international commitments to ocean preservation, reflecting on the substantial progress achieved through global pledges since the first conference. Dr. Avgerinopoulou presented in detail the results of the successful Our Ocean Conference hosted by Greece in April 2024. She noted that new ocean protection commitments reached 471, totaling approximately $11.35 billion, across the following action areas: climate-ocean nexus, sustainable fisheries, sustainable blue economy, marine protected areas, maritime safety, and marine pollution. Greece alone announced 21 specific commitments worth €780 million, primarily in marine protected areas, marine pollution reduction, sustainable fisheries, and the blue economy.

Dr. Avgerinopoulou handed over the baton to H.E. Kim Sungbum from the Republic of Korea, marking the continuation of this momentum and aiming to advance transformative action under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Action” at this year’s Our Ocean Conference, which will be held in Korea. Mr. Kim presented Korea’s vision for the 10th Our Ocean Conference and the initiatives that will be undertaken to promote sustainable ocean development.

In a spirit of cooperation and shared commitment to sustainable ocean governance, a bilateral coordination meeting was held at the initiative of Dr. Avgerinopoulou between herself and Kim Sungbum, Deputy Minister for Maritime Policy of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea. The meeting took place at the Korean Pavilion on the sidelines of the summit and in the context of the transition of the conference’s organization from Greece to the Republic of Korea, with Greece—and specifically Dr. Avgerinopoulou—holding the co-chairmanship of the Advisory Board.

During the discussion, both sides expressed their commitment to working together for the success of the 10th Our Ocean Conference, which will be hosted by the Republic of Korea.

Through her work at COP29, Dr. Avgerinopoulou strongly advocates for enhanced international cooperation and the inclusion of diverse voices in addressing climate change. Her focus on empowering women, protecting critical ecosystems, and mobilizing collective action for ocean conservation reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.