Africa: Statement of Dr Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, Director of Conflict Management, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, AUC, At the 9th Informal Annual Joint Seminar Between Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the African Union Peace and Security Council (Aupsc) Tarrytown, Ny 16 and 17 October 2024

18 October 2024
African Union (Addis Ababa)
document

Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to the Co-Chairs for inviting the AU to discuss the adverse effects of climate change on Africa's stability and development. While climate change poses significant threats, it also presents an unprecedented opportunity for positive change if we adopt a common approach.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded that global temperatures have increased by 1.1°C since 1990. This alarming statistics underscores the urgency for coordinated international action. Although Africa accounts for only 0.4% of global greenhouse emissions, it is disproportionately affected due to its high vulnerability and limited adaptation capacity. The time for action is not next week, but now.

Climate change poses significant threats to peace and security in Africa, including natural resource conflicts, livelihood pressures and climate-induced mobility. To address these issues, comprehensive strategies integrating climate adaptation and peacebuilding efforts are needed, including better integration of climate and conflict data, nature-based solutions and local knowledge for sustainable resource management and peacebuilding.

At the AU, we acknowledge that the climate change, peace, and security agenda faces challenges due to weak systems, data gaps, lack of integrated responses, implementation challenges, and external factors such as wars intensifying climate-related security risks. Needless to say collaboration and coordination are crucial for addressing these issues.

It is important to stress at this point that the negative impact of climate change is a lived realty for millions of people in the Sahelo-Saharan region, the Lake Chad Basin and the Horn of Africa. For our African compatriots in these regions, the debate about the impact of climate change is far removed from their daily realities. We therefore need to confront this phenomenon that is wreaking havoc in vast regions of Africa.

Consequently, the AU is in the process of developing a Common African Position. The Common African Position is designed to empower member states to tackle the multiple and multi-layered challenges associated with climate change. Our Common Position will be robust and forward-looking. It will prioritise policies, programs, and decisions that are informed by rigorous scientific data and research, as well as climate financing for adaptation and mitigation.

The Common Position will also provide guidance on how peace-building efforts, peace support operations (PSOs), and stabilisation activities would integrate climate sensitivity to sustain peace and build resilience in the face of a changing climate. It will also outline our commitment to addressing local conflicts and vulnerabilities while fostering collaboration and coordination.

Excellencies

Africa leads in climate security, as shown by our contributions at COP 27 with the Climate Responses for Peace, the COP 28 Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace, and the forthcoming COP 29. At a recent meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, AU Member States adopted the principles and identified the challenges and priorities for the Common Position.

To advance our collective efforts, we must establish strategic priorities for climate action and clearly define our roles in global frameworks, including the Loss and Damage Fund and climate finance goals. It is crucial to reiterate the imperative to ensure coordinated approaches to effectively address climate change security-related risks and threats.

Climate financing is crucial for promoting the green transformative agenda in Africa and strengthened continental early warning systems are essential for disaster risk reduction and adaptation. Just transition pathways are also essential for growth and development, and failure to address climate change loss and damages can exacerbate vulnerabilities. Post-conflict reconstruction and development programs are essential for climate security and environmental protection. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed to address environmental and climate change security impacts.

So what and how can the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the UN Security Council (UNSC) collaborate on this important but still divisive aspect of human development. I will like to highlight four (4) potential areas of collaboration between the two (2) Councils:

1. Integrating Climate-Related Security Risks into Peacebuilding Efforts

  • Joint Frameworks and Strategies: Develop joint frameworks integrating climate-related security risks into peacebuilding efforts, including shared guidelines and best practices for incorporating climate considerations into conflict-sensitive and peace-positive actions.
  • Capacity Building and Training: Invest in capacity building and training for peacebuilders and local authorities on the nexus between climate change and security, ensuring peacebuilding efforts are informed by climate science and local environmental conditions.

2. Strengthening Local Approaches to Climate Responses and Peacebuilding

  • Community Engagement: Engage local communities in dialogue and decision-making processes through participatory approaches that ensure the voices of climate- and conflict-affected communities are heard and considered in policymaking.
  • Localized Solutions: Develop localized solutions that address communities' specific climate and conflict challenges, including supporting community-led adaptation and resilience projects.

3. Anticipating Climate Risks and Strengthening Stability

  • Early Warning Systems: Establish and enhance early warning systems that monitor climate risks and predict potential conflicts, allowing for timely interventions and preventive measures.
  • Joint Analysis and Planning: Conduct joint analysis and planning sessions to assess climate risks and develop coordinated responses, including regular coordination meetings, joint briefings, and informal discussions between the AUPSC and UNSC.

4. Addressing Policy and Decision-Making Gaps

  • Policy Harmonization: Harmonize policies and strategies between the AUPSC and UNSC to ensure coherent and effective responses to climate-related security risks, aligning both AU PSC and UNSC climate, peace, and security decisions and policies. It is critical to address the divergent policy positions within the UNSC and the General Assembly, bearing in mind the realities in parts of Africa.
  • Resource Mobilization: Mobilize resources for climate adaptation and resilience projects, including establishing dedicated funds and leveraging international partnerships for technical and financial support.
  • Inclusive Governance: Promote inclusive governance structures that involve diverse stakeholders, including women, youth, and marginalised groups, in decision-making processes.

By working together and leveraging both Councils' strengths, you can enhance your ability to address the complex interplay between climate change, security, and development in Africa.

I thank you all for your attention.

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