Lydia Birtwistle-Sawyer

    First name
    Lydia
    Last name
    Birtwistle-Sawyer
    Phone number
    +44 7969 958774
    How do you self-identify or would like to be identified?
    Woman
    Do you belong to any ethnic minority group of self-identify as an indigenous person?
    No
    Affiliation, organization, or community
    COP28 UAE
    Years of professional or activism experience or of knowledge built on specific indigenous expertise
    5-10 years
    Country of residence
    Languages
    Arabic
    English
    French
    In which geographic region (and sub-region) does your work mostly focus?
    Do you have proven experience in gender and climate change issues?
    No, my work/ area of expertise focuses on other climate related issues
    Please provide your short bio reflecting on your academic, professional and practical background

    As Gender and Inclusion Lead for the UAE COP28 Presidency and with a postgraduate degree in Gender Studies and International Law, I have a proven track record in gender in relation to climate, development and foreign policy.

    In my current role, I oversee gender and inclusion outcomes. Through working closely with Parties and women's rights organisations, I led the delivery of the COP28 Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership, which was launched as part of a high level event.  I managed the timely delivery of an exciting two week programme that mainstreamed gender across data, finance and agriculture, as well as regular consultations throughout the year, including during the UN Commission on the Status of Women.   

    In my previous role as COP26 Head of Stakeholder Engagement, I oversaw negotiations at the UNFCCC, including the Lima Work Programme on Gender and Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE). I managed a team of negotiators and engagement officials, ensuring the timely delivery of complex engagement pieces, including overseas trips.

    Alongside my COP work, I was Head of Events for the Civil Service Environment Network, managing two teams to deliver key monthly events on a range of environmental issues. Other various voluntary roles include a founding member for the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy and as a team leader in the International Citizens Service, where I oversaw a capacity building project in rural Burkina Faso.

    Are you interested in being contacted for any of the following
    Panelist at climate change event
    Advisory in technical assistance project
    Contributor to research/publication
    Interviewed by the media