Climate change and security in Somalia: a practitioner's perspective

There is growing recognition that policies, programmes and plans for conflict prevention and peacebuilding should fully integrate climate change and environmental considerations just as climate adaptation and mitigation strategies should be sensitive to conflict dynamics in the areas they are being implemented in. Yet, few concrete examples exist of tested analytical, policy and programmatic approaches for assessing and addressing linked climate-security risks, especially in fragile or conflict-affected contexts.

This interactive workshop aims to present practical experiences and lessons for addressing climate-related security from Somalia, a country where climate and environmental crises are compounding longstanding threats to peace. Recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of such compound crises, the event will explore solutions as seen through the lens of analysts, practitioners, and civil society, bringing practical examples alive through interactive small group discussions. In small group discussions, participants will be familiarized with the objectives of an integrated climate-security risk assessment and – through conversations with practitioners – demonstrate how such an assessment can inform peacebuilding programming in the Somali context. A second session will further brief participants on the collaborative efforts that will be required to sustainably address the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change, thereby simultaneously increasing resilience to climate change, as well as, reducing competition over natural resources as a driver of conflict.

Moderator: Christophe Hodder Climate Security Advisor to the UN in Somalia, UNSOM

Speaker: Janel B. Galvanek Head of Sub-Saharan Africa Unit, the Berghof Foundation

Speaker: Nora Rathje Project Manager, Middle East and North Africa Unit, the Berghof Foundation.

Speaker: Lana Goral Program Manager, Migration Environment & Climate Change (MECC) unit, IOM Somalia

Speaker: Hassan Mowlid Yasin Vice-chairperson, Somali Greenpeace Association

Speaker: Ahmed Ibrahim Awale Chairman Candlelight for Health, Education & Environment, Hargeisa

Time of the event: 11.00 - 12.30 CEST

Please click here to register. 

An event organized by The Berghof Foundation, IOM, The Somali Green Peace Association, Candlelight for Environment, Education and Health, and UNEP.