The Marshall Islands president Hilda Heine says Pacific women need to be recognised as leaders in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Dr Heine spoke of how Pacific women could be included in more climate change decision making at the One Planet Summit in Paris.
Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, addresses the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York on September 22, 2016. Photo: DOMINICK REUTER / AFP
The summit aims to find new ways of financing adaptation, speeding up the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring climate issues are central to the finance sector.
Dr Heine said Pacific women were very resilient and often take leadership roles in their communities during times of disaster.
"I think it's very important that the government and for donors to recognise the role that women bring to climate mitigation and adaptation because they're very well-placed. They're knowledgeable they're very committed and their hearts are in the right place," said Hilda Heine.