President Salla Tuominen speaks at IFAD webinar

In June 2025, Zonta International’s President, Salla Tuominen, had the honor of representing our organization at a rural women-focused webinar hosted by IFAD, the International Fund for Agricultural Development. IFAD is a United Nations specialized agency established in 1977 that works to eradicate rural poverty and hunger by empowering smallholder farmers and rural communities, particularly women and marginalized groups.

Through sustainable agriculture, access to finance, and inclusive development programs, IFAD helps millions of rural people improve food security, increase incomes, and build resilience against climate change. Its work supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, making it a vital partner in global efforts to promote environmental sustainability and social inclusion—values closely aligned with Zonta International’s mission.

The June webinar event focused on rural women’s leadership and advocacy in gender equal climate action, as a part of IFAD’s Gender Transformation Mechanism. International President Salla spoke about the mission of Zonta International to make a better world for women and girls through our main cause pillars: ending gender-based violence, education equality, women in decision making and leadership, and gender-equal climate justice. Zonta advocates for increased representation of women in political, economic and environmental leadership roles. There is a wonderful panel discussion between several organization leaders and how we work together on the topic of justice and equality in climate action.

Members interested in viewing this impactful discussion can watch the full recording here.

25 August 2025