TWiST at NGO CSW69: Women’s Leadership in Climate Action and AI
- Jul 28
- 5 min read
On March 14, 2025, the Taiwan Women in Technology (TWiST) hosted a parallel session of the NGO CSW69 Forum at the UN Church Center in New York, USA, themed "Empowering Women in Climate Action and Emerging Technologies." This conference focused on the leadership role of women in the fields of climate change and artificial intelligence (AI), and discussed issues of LGBTQ+ sexual exploitation and gender violence. Closely related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of gender equality, quality education, and climate action, the conference attracted enthusiastic participation from both in-person and online attendees from around the world.
This conference was hosted by the Taiwan Association of Women in Science and Technology and recommended by the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES), which is a consultant to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The session was chaired by Dr. Renee Yi-Mond Yuan, who also served as the first speaker. A total of four female experts from different countries and fields delivered speeches, and there were also panel discussions and a live Q&A session, facilitating lively exchanges with online and offline participants.
Women's Leadership Role in Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence (AI): STEM Women's Engagement is Key to Climate and Technological Transformation
The Taiwan Association of Women in Science and Technology has long been involved in promoting INWES international affairs. This year's meeting was opened by Dr. Yuan Yi-man (Associate Professor, Institute of International Affairs and European Studies, Tamkang University), an alternate board member. She pointed out that as technology rapidly advances, women should be given more opportunities to enter the field of science and technology to ensure that future technology and climate policies are more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable . She emphasized, "STEM education is not just a career option, but also a ticket for women to participate equally in the future world."
Dr. Yuan's presentation covered the current state of women's education in the technology field in East and Southeast Asia, as well as gender issues related to AI in policymaking. She also pointed out that artificial intelligence may be a key technology for reducing or amplifying gender inequality in the future, making women's participation in AI policy and product design extremely important.
Furthermore, at the CSW69 Forum on Women's Leadership Role in Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence (AI), she cited numerous international reports, such as research data from the OECD and IRENA on green transition and gender perspectives, urging policymakers to design AI and energy policies in a gender-sensitive manner. She stated, "Women's perspectives can bring a more harmonious and sustainable direction to technology and climate policy, especially in rural and resource-scarce areas."
Technology, Women and Climate: From Pakistan to New York: Global Perspectives from Women in Action
The second speaker, Dr. Ameena Zia, is the CEO of Blue Ridge Consulting in the United States and a civil society representative of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and has long been a advocate for issues related to women, peace, and security. She delivered her speech online, focusing on the importance of women in Pakistan in climate action and policymaking.
Dr. Zia shared how her participation in the UN program "World's Largest Lesson" combined UNICEF resources to bring climate change and human rights concepts to primary schools in Pakistani communities, and published the climate education picture book "Change the Change," emphasizing concrete educational actions to implement gender equality. She pointed out that by helping girls understand climate justice, human rights, and sustainability through early education, it not only supports young women in becoming fully capable, but also cultivates them into future leaders with critical thinking skills and the ability to participate in policy and technological development, thereby promoting a positive understanding and participation of women's roles in society.
AI x Green Technology: The Power of Women Entrepreneurs
The third speaker, Dr. Julie Zhu, is a young entrepreneur from New York, USA, who has won numerous business and marketing awards and mentored over 200 female entrepreneurs. She shared how female entrepreneurs are using AI in the fields of sustainability, green business, and the digital economy.
Dr. Zhu pointed out that AI is not a neutral tool, and without a gender perspective, it is highly likely to replicate or even reinforce existing inequalities . She called on women to actively engage in the fields of AI ethics and data governance, proactively master technological tools and knowledge, and create a sustainable entrepreneurial model for women.
Combating Gender Violence and Human Trafficking: From Advocacy to Action
The final speaker was Dr. Kalyani Gopal, founder of SAFE Coalition for Human Rights in the United States. She also participated online, focusing on issues of LGBTQ+ gender violence and transnational human trafficking.
Dr. Gopal mentioned her team's "SAFE School" program within the education system to prevent youth trafficking and sexual exploitation, and advocates for more gender-sensitive social recovery mechanisms. She stated, " Climate change and social instability often exacerbate the plight of women and sexual minorities. Only by making these groups' voices part of policy dialogue can we truly achieve sustainable and equitable social transformation."
Post-meeting interaction and international connections
Following the presentations by the four speakers, Dr. Yuan Yiman moderated a comprehensive discussion and Q&A session, engaging in lively exchanges with participants both online and offline. The participants included representatives from NGOs, academia, and governments from various countries, demonstrating the high level of interest in this topic and its potential for international cooperation.
Dr. Yuan stated, "Although this is my first time hosting an international conference overseas, I am grateful to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York for providing display stands and resources, the experience sharing of senior colleagues, and the support of other international speakers, which made this conference possible. In the future, we also look forward to more Taiwanese female technologists stepping onto the international stage to participate in dialogue and decision-making on global technology and climate issues."
Taiwanese female technologists are making their mark on the world stage, exerting influence across education and policy.
This parallel session not only showcased Taiwan's efforts and achievements in STEM education, climate action, women's participation, and gender policy, but also strengthened international cooperation networks in the fields of technology and gender through exchanges with international organizations. From climate action, AI technology, and educational equality to the prevention of gender violence, female professionals demonstrated their power to change the world through their STEM skills and cross-disciplinary influence.
This event also symbolizes the active role of Taiwanese women in the tech industry in international advocacy. The Taiwan Women in Technology Association will continue to leverage international platforms to ensure that the voices of more women in the tech industry are heard and to empower more women in the tech industry to create the future through technology.
To learn more about the Taiwan Women in Science and Technology's achievements in international advocacy and STEM education, please visit: 👉Taiwan Women in Science and Technology Official Website
More stories of female tech professionals: 👉Female Tech Newsletter
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