From Lusaka to Bonn: WLWF’s Journey for Climate Justice at SB62

In June 2025, the Women’s Life and Wellness Foundation (WLWF) embarked on a vital journey from the heart of Lusaka to the global climate negotiation hub in Bonn, Germany. At the 62nd session of the UN Climate Change Subsidiary Bodies (SB62), WLWF carried more than credentials they brought the voices, hopes, and resilience of rural women and grassroots communities deeply impacted by climate change. Our Purpose: Amplifying Women’s Rights in Climate Action WLWF’s participation was guided by our core commitment to women’s rights and climate justice. Throughout this critical mid-year climate forum, we followed negotiations on adaptation, loss and damage, mitigation, and climate finance all while advocating for gender-responsive, locally led solutions rooted in the realities of Zambia’s climate-vulnerable communities. Key Themes and Discussions Adaptation: A Daily Necessity At SB62, adaptation was front and center. Discussions advanced the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), improved climate impact tracking, and reviewed the Adaptation Fund to better support vulnerable communities. For WLWF, adaptation is not theoretical it is a daily survival strategy for rural women whose livelihoods depend on resilient food systems and seed diversity. Championing Gender Justice WLWF raised urgent calls for a renewed, well-funded Gender Action Plan (GAP) that moves beyond rhetoric to meaningful implementation. Despite setbacks, like the omission of gender priorities in COP30’s agenda, WLWF and fellow feminist voices assert that there is no climate justice without gender justice. Women’s leadership, experiences, and rights must be central to the climate agenda. Broadening the Climate Dialogue WLWF also engaged in impactful side events on: • Preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage as key climate adaptation strategies • Promoting agroecology and seed sovereignty for food security in vulnerable regions • Leveraging technology and early warning systems to protect rural communities • Increasing women’s participation in renewable energy, from grassroots initiatives to policymaking A Feminist Call to Action A standout moment was the Women & Gender Constituency press briefing, where feminist leaders denounced false solutions and demanded transparent, direct climate financing that reaches women on the frontlines. Their rallying cry was clear: “We don’t need more explanations. We need action!” Reflections and Next Steps SB62 reinforced WLWF’s strategic priorities to: • Document and share grassroots climate action stories in globally resonant formats • Expand our visibility in international climate dialogues to influence policy meaningfully • Strengthen partnerships with organizations sharing our gender-responsive climate vision • Build capacity on climate negotiation processes to enhance advocacy impact From the Margins to the Center WLWF’s journey from Lusaka’s soil to Bonn’s conference halls was fueled by the unshaken voices of women dreaming beyond drought and nurturing life amidst broken systems. This is not the end, but the beginning of a strengthened, unified global movement insisting that women’s leadership and climate justice shape our collective future.