On 8 April, the United Nations Office to the African Union participated virtually in the first meeting of the Community of Practice on Climate, Peace and Security in the Horn of Africa, organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa at the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
The meeting brought together representatives from IGAD, the African Union, UNOAU, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Member States and civil society to exchange views on current developments, regional approaches and opportunities for joint action on climate, peace and security in the region.
Opening the meeting, Dr Abdi Fidar, Acting Director at IGAD ICPAC, highlighted the severe effects of climate change across Africa and outlined ongoing regional and continental efforts to address climate related peace and security risks, including through the IGAD Climate Security Mechanism.
During the session on regional approaches, UNOAU emphasized the importance of climate finance, resilience and African led responses to climate related security risks. It also highlighted the relevance of ongoing continental efforts in the lead up to COP31 and COP32.
UNOAU will continue working with IGAD, the African Union and the Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa to advance climate, peace and security initiatives across the region.
