As featured on BusinessMirror: Leading change: Women in climate diplomacy
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy recognizes the indispensable contributions of women in shaping international relations and global governance. It is both a celebration and a reminder that diplomacy is most effective when it reflects the diversity of the world it represents. As global challenges become increasingly interconnected, inclusive leadership is essential to build lasting solutions.
Among the many fields where women have made a profound impact, climate diplomacy stands out. As the world confronts accelerating environmental crises, from biodiversity degradation to rising global temperatures, the need for international cooperation has never been more imperative. Climate diplomacy, the negotiation of global agreements and coordination of collective climate action, has emerged as a significant approach to addressing environmental issues as these are increasingly intertwined with other more traditional areas of foreign relations. Today, climate issues are closely linked to economic development, trade, migration, and public health, making them an integral part of diplomatic engagement.
Women have played central roles in advancing international climate cooperation, emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity and long-term thinking in negotiations that involve complex national interests. In the Philippines, although climate diplomacy has often been associated with a few prominent public figures, many Filipina diplomats have made significant contributions to advance the country’s climate agenda. Women career diplomats from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have participated in international climate negotiations since the early 1990s, particularly in discussions on climate finance, adaptation, and international cooperation. Some have served in leadership positions within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), representing not only the Philippines but also broader negotiating groups of developing countries. Their work has helped shape and establish major international climate finance mechanisms that support developing countries in responding to the impacts of climate change.
Beyond direct participation in climate negotiations, Filipina diplomats have also advanced Philippine climate diplomacy through multilateral, regional and bilateral engagement. Senior officials within the DFA oversee the country’s participation in international climate negotiations and promote the integration of climate change and sustainable development into Philippine foreign policy through organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations (UN). Others have represented the Philippines in multilateral discussions where climate change intersects with sustainable development, global governance and disaster risk reduction.
The contributions of women to Philippine climate diplomacy also extend beyond the DFA. Officials from agencies responsible for environmental management and climate governance regularly participate in international climate negotiations and support the implementation of international climate agreements. At the same time, Filipino women from academia, civil society and other organizations have emerged as influential advocates for climate justice, ensuring that Philippine
perspectives and the voices of vulnerable communities are represented in global climate discussions.
The number of widely recognized Filipina climate diplomats reflects the collaborative nature of Philippine climate diplomacy. Philippine delegations to international climate negotiations are typically composed of career diplomats from the DFA working alongside officials from the Climate Change Commission, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and experts in science, law, economics, and public policy. This multidisciplinary approach highlights that successful diplomacy depends not only on formal negotiations but also on the diverse expertise and perspectives that inform national positions.
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is therefore more than a symbolic celebration. It is an opportunity to recognize the tangible contributions women have made to shape global governance and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change. Their leadership demonstrates that diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and foster collaboration.
These lessons resonate strongly with R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG in the Philippines) and reinforce the firm’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Just as inclusive representation strengthens diplomacy and international cooperation, diverse perspectives enable organizations to drive innovation and create greater value for clients and stakeholders. The achievements of women in diplomacy underscore the importance of providing equitable opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to contribute, lead, and shape outcomes.
For the firm, DEI is not simply a workplace initiative, but a long-term organizational commitment embedded in the firm’s culture and values. Through policies and programs that promote inclusion, fairness, and equal opportunity, the firm seeks to cultivate a workplace where every individual can thrive and contribute meaningfully. These initiatives support the long-term sustainability of an inclusive organizational culture while advancing the firm’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. Through fostering diversity and accountability, the firm is better positioned to respond to an increasingly complex and interconnected global environment.
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For more information, you may reach out through ph-kpmgmla@kpmg.com, social media or visit www.home.kpmg/ph.
This article is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice to a specific issue or entity. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent KPMG International or R.G. Manabat & Co.