On 30 April, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, delivered a virtual keynote address at the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM) Partnership Dialogue 2026, held in New York and convened by the CSM in partnership with the Group of Friends on Climate and Security.
The high-level dialogue brought together Member States and partners to strengthen awareness of the Climate Security Mechanism’s work, deepen cooperation and scale up integrated action on climate, peace and security. Opening remarks were delivered on behalf of the Co-Chairs of the CSM Joint Steering Committee, Slovenia and Germany, alongside contributions from the Assistant Secretary-General for Climate Action and Just Transition, Mr. Selwin Hart.
In his keynote address, the SRSG reflected on the evolving climate, peace and security landscape in Africa and globally, highlighting climate change as a risk multiplier that exacerbates conflict, displacement and instability. He underscored the importance of sustained support for African-led climate, peace and security initiatives, including the development of the Common African Position on Climate, Peace and Security and preparations for COP31 and COP32.
The dialogue reaffirmed the value of partnerships in advancing integrated responses to climate-related security risks and concluded with the CSM Joint Steering Committee issuing a communiqué calling on Member States and partners to strengthen political, technical and financial support for the Climate Security Mechanism through renewed and multi-year commitments.
