Women at the Helm of ESG Transformation

 Women Stepping Up in Environmental Leadership 

The world faces big environmental challenges, and women are stepping up as key leaders in making things better. One such leader is Christiana Figueres, a diplomat from Costa Rica. She played a crucial role in creating the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which brought almost all nations together to fight against greenhouse gas emissions. 

Figueres used a unique approach to leadership. Instead of using traditional authority, she invited many different voices into an open and inclusive discussion. With her background in anthropology, she believed that people are more willing to work towards common goals when they feel trusted and hopeful. 

"We needed to agree on where we all want to end up," Figueres said, highlighting the importance of a shared vision based on scientific facts. Rather than setting strict rules, she allowed countries and organizations to find their own ways to meet these goals. She understood that global negotiations can be messy, but she saw this complexity as a chance for new ideas and partnerships to emerge. 

Embracing "Female Energy" in Leadership 

Figueres talks about using what she calls "female energy" in leadership—a style that is

inclusive, flexible, and aware of how everything is connected. She notes that this contrasts with more traditional, straight-line approaches. "It's about noticing who isn't at the table and should be," she says. 

A vital part of this transformation is empowering women worldwide. Studies show that improving women's access to education and control over their own reproductive choices can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Figueres 

stresses that women's empowerment affects everything from how land is used and food security to innovation and adapting to climate changes. "The better the quality of life for women— through education, choices over their own bodies, access to sustainable food and clean energy— the better we'll do in reducing emissions," she says. 

Continuing the Mission with Mission 2020 

After the Paris Agreement, Figueres continues her mission as the head of Mission 2020, aiming to reduce emissions quickly. She believes that real progress depends not just on policies but on the active participation of the "engine room"—businesses, local governments, investors, and individuals who can directly implement sustainable practices. 

Advocating for Women's Representation 

Despite progress, Figueres remains watchful about the representation of women in leadership roles. She actively challenges situations where women's voices are lacking, understanding that diversity leads to stronger and more effective solutions. "Making people feel uncomfortable is the only way things are going to change," she remarks, emphasizing the need to disrupt the usual way of doing things to make real progress. 

Lighting the Path Forward 

The journey towards global sustainability is undoubtedly complex, but leaders like Christiana Figueres light the path forward. By embracing inclusive leadership that values different perspectives and by empowering women at all levels, we can speed up the ESG transformation needed for a sustainable future. As we tackle the pressing challenges of our time, it becomes increasingly clear that women are not just participants but key leaders at the forefront of this global effort. 

References: 

Figueres, C. (n.d.). Christiana Figueres. TED. https://www.ted.com/speakers/christiana_figueres#:~:text=Christiana%20Figueres%20is%20an %20internationally%20recognized%20leader%20on 

Schwartz, J. (2024, February 20). How Christiana Figueres saved the planet. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-christiana-figueres-saved-the-planet/#:~:text=As%20former%20chief%20of%20the%20United%20Nations%20Framework