This event convened diverse women and gender-diverse leaders from grassroots to global levels, alongside advocates and policymakers. They shared insights on the climate crisis, COP27, and

This event convened diverse women and gender-diverse leaders from grassroots to global levels, alongside advocates and policymakers. They shared insights on the climate crisis, COP27, and strategies for advancing just, community-led solutions to interlocking global challenges.

Notable speakers included Jacqui Patterson (The Chisholm Legacy Project), Diana Duarte (MADRE), Farhana Yamin (Chatham House), and Jade Begay (NDN Collective), who also served as moderator and is WECAN's Executive Director.

The event was part of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) three-day Climate Justice Forum, "Facing the Climate Emergency on the Road to COP27," held September 20-22.

Aura Tegría Cristancho, a 26-year-old indigenous lawyer from Colombia's U'wa Nation, has been the legal advisor to the U'wa Association of Traditional Authorities and Councils (ASOU'WA) since

Aura Tegría Cristancho, a 26-year-old indigenous lawyer from Colombia's U'wa Nation, has been the legal advisor to the U'wa Association of Traditional Authorities and Councils (ASOU'WA) since late 2013.

In September 2017, Aura toured the U.S., sharing the U'wa message of respecting Mother Earth and their generational fight to protect ancestral lands from oil drilling and resource extraction.

Aura emphasizes the U'wa belief that the world is a house supported by vital pillars. She urges non-indigenous people to abandon greed and protect Mother Earth, warning that once her "blood" (oil) is gone, no wealth can restore nature's harmony. Learn more at amazonwatch.org.