Rumaitha Al Busaidi, an esteemed Omani scientist, has earned notable recognition for her impactful contributions to climate advocacy. Reuters highlighted her in their ‘Top 25 Women in Climate Change’ list, and she was recently featured on the ‘BBC 100 Women list for 2023’.
Rumaitha, an environmental advocate, has been actively involved in sustainable solutions to combat climate change. Her 2021 TED talk, exploring the pivotal role of women in addressing climate challenges, garnered over a million views.
As the founder of WomeX, a platform dedicated to teaching negotiation skills to Arab women, Al Busaidi also serves as an executive board director of the Environment Society of Oman, the country’s sole environmental NGO. Her commitment extends to collaborating with the Omani government on sustainable diversification and energy transition strategies.
On the international stage, Al Busaidi has provided advisory expertise to the Biden administration on developing a climate resilience standard for US foreign aid, with a focus on empowering women. She also contributed to the creation of a sustainable tourism framework for Greenland and advised the Arab League on empowering Arab youth in climate change negotiations.
Al Busaidi’s impactful work has garnered recognition from prestigious institutions such as the United Nations, the EU, and Nato. She holds degrees from Harvard and Oxford, and she is recognised as the first female soccer analyst in the Arab world, as well as the youngest Omani to reach the South Pole.
Rumaitha answered a wide range of questions in an email interview
Advocacy for environmental youth leadership at COP28:
During COP28, my role as an advocate for environmental youth leadership aimed to amplify Omani and Arab voices. As a member of the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change, I led groundbreaking research mapping Arab youth perceptions, concerns, and policy recommendations across all 26 Arab League countries. The research revealed heightened climate anxiety among Arab youth, emphasized the need for increased funding in climate science, highlighted Omani youth as exceptionally aware, and underscored the necessity for policy modifications to involve youth in decision-making. I presented these findings, along with key policy recommendations, to all 26 Arab ministers in a closed-door meeting, contributing to the global discourse on climate change.
Recognition as one of BBC’s 100 Women for 2023:
Being listed alongside influential figures such as Michelle Obama, Amal Clooney, and America Ferrera in BBC’s 100 Women for 2023 is a tremendous honour. As the first Omani on this list, my goal is to inspire the younger generation to dream big and work hard. Through this recognition, I hope to convey the message that there are no limits to what one can achieve, especially for aspiring girls.
TED Talk on climate change and empowering Arab women:
In my TED Talk, I emphasised the crucial role women play in combating climate change, addressing misconceptions and highlighting the multiplier effect women have in their communities. By empowering women, we can create a sustainable future. The talk sparked discussions on women’s roles in the climate space and underscored the importance of women in addressing climate challenges.
Advising on climate-informed foreign aid and sustainable tourism:
My approach to advising the Biden administration on climate-informed foreign aid and the government of Greenland on sustainable tourism involves an open mind and a commitment to learning. My goal is to assert myself as a thought leader in climate change and drive global change by addressing the multi-faceted nature of climate challenges.
Lessons from challenging expeditions, including the South Pole:
The inspiration for challenging expeditions comes from a mindset of never saying no and embracing every opportunity. Expeditions serve as a form of mental exercise and meditation, teaching patience and the importance of self-care. Lessons include patience, unwavering focus on goals, and prioritizing personal well-being.
WomeX: AI-driven mentoring for women:
WomeX’s mission is to empower women in the workforce by teaching negotiating skills and using nudging techniques. The platform focuses on helping women feel comfortable advocating for themselves, addressing the gender gap in negotiation skills, and supporting women in achieving what they deserve in the workplace.
Women as key contributors to climate solutions:
Empowering women to lead is crucial for climate solutions. More women in leadership positions support women entrepreneurs, and addressing funding disparities are essential step. By harnessing the potential of women and supporting their aspirations, we can make significant strides in climate action.
Future aspirations in gender equity, sustainability, and climate action:
My future aspirations involve continuing to represent Oman and inspire collective action. Whether in gender equity, sustainability, or climate action, my goal is to make a positive impact and inspire young girls to believe in their capabilities and dream big.
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