UB scholars launch new book on democracy, climate crisis, gender at UN event

A new book edited by a UB faculty member that explores the intersections of democracy, climate change and gender was launched with a panel discussion at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), held last month in New York City.

The volume, “Democracy in Retreat and the Climate Crisis: Challenges and Strategies for Adaptation in an Evolving Political Landscape,” was edited by Barbara Wejnert, professor in the Department of Environment and Sustainability; among the chapter contributors are Senay Imre, a PhD candidate in the Department of Global Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Soe Win, who received a PhD in global gender studies from UB and is now an adjunct lecturer at SUNY Brockport.

Published in January, the book brings together scholars from around the world to examine how environmental crises intersect with democratic governance, political change and gender equality.

Launching the book as part of CSW “was very intentional,” says Imre, who moderated the panel in addition to contributing a chapter to the volume. “CSW is one of the few global spaces where gender equality, policy and lived realities come together through direct dialogue between governments, civil society and academia.

“Bringing this discussion here allows us to place the climate crisis firmly within gender equality debates while also highlighting how democratic backsliding shapes both,” she notes. “It ensures that these conversations are not isolated in academic spaces but are part of ongoing global policy discussions and collective action.”

Held every March in New York, CSW is a two-week global gathering where governments, civil society organizations, scholars and activists convene to exchange ideas, share research, build collaborations and discuss policy approaches to advancing gender equality.

During the panel discussion launching “Democracy in Retreat and the Climate Crisis,” contributing scholars — who came to the UN from India, Sri Lanka, Italy, the United States and Poland — examined how climate change reshapes women’s rights, livelihoods, political participation and environmental leadership, while also questioning whose knowledge is recognized within climate governance frameworks.

Panelists emphasized that while women are often disproportionately affected by environmental crises, they are also key actors, knowledge producers and leaders in environmental governance.

Imre says that in bringing together scholars from multiple regions and disciplines, the book and its launch at CSW highlight the importance of international collaboration in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, democratic backsliding and gender inequality. The panel also reflected the growing role of UB scholars and alumni in contributing to global conversations on environmental governance and gender justice, she adds.

While at CSW, Imre took part in several high-level CSW meetings as an NGO adviser representing Turkish civil society. In this role, she attended discussions with diplomats, ambassadors and civil society representatives, contributing to ongoing conversations on gender equality, democratic backsliding and international cooperation.