From 27 to 29 August, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga participated at the AU Member State Consultation on the Common African Position on Climate, Peace, and Security (CAP-CPS) and delivered opening remarks. The meeting took place under the auspices of the AU Commission (AUC) and was hosted by the Government of Kenya and the Intergovernmental Authority (IGAD) in Nairobi, Kenya. The event aimed to tackle the complex intersection of climate change, peace and security by addressing policy gaps, enhancing technical capacities, securing funding, and improving decision-making processes.

The consultation provided a platform for raising awareness about the impacts of climate change on peace and security, identifying engagement opportunities, and proposing solutions to both current and emerging challenges. Participants worked thoroughly over the three days to enrich the draft Common African Position on Climate Change, Peace, and Security (CAP-CCPS), reflecting Africa's collective interests and aspirations while focusing on urgent priorities and profound challenges.

In his remarks during the opening ceremony, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga noted that by highlighting how climate change can lead to increased security risks, and by identifying related gaps in Africa’s development and governance architectures, it is clear that the CAP-CPS represents not only a crucial global precedent but also a truly important step for continental adaptation. In recognition of the work of the UN, he recalled the UN Secretary-General’s warning, during the High-Level segment of COP27 in 2022 : “We are on the highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator”. He also cited the Secretary-General’s remarks at COP28, stating that “up to eighteen times more finance is needed for adaptation to meet the current requirements of developing countries,” while noting that “Africa only received 2% of global renewable energy investments in the last two decades.” He reiterated SG’s oft-quoted refrain that climate change is “a threat multiplier”, “a conflict catalyst” and, consequently, “a fragility amplifier”. Among all presenters the consensus was clear, climate change presents a clear and present danger to African development, peace, and security. 

The African Union Official press release is available here.