At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024, OSED’s Director, Samiullah Hamidee, delivered a powerful call for gender-integrated climate justice, and how environmental challenges disproportionately affect Afghan women and girls, exacerbating existing inequalities and discrimination.

Drawing on OSED’s work on the ground, Samiullah emphasised that climate change—through droughts, floods, and environmental degradation—falls hardest on Afghan women and girls, deepening existing inequalities. He urged COP29 negotiators to prioritise Afghan women and girls when operationalising climate finance mechanisms. 

Samiullah stressed the need for direct access to the Loss and Damage Fund by Afghan civil society—especially women-led organisations. He also highlighted that support mechanisms must include financial and technical assistance tailored to the unique challenges Afghan women face in adapting to climate impacts.Samiullah reflected on the momentum generated at COP29, noting that humanitarian and climate sectors are beginning to converge—with local communities at the centre. He described the two-day event as a pivotal moment where “we are inspiring a shift… providing examples and inspiration for the future” (linkedin.com).