The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) recently concluded a successful two-day workshop focused on the critical intersection of climate change and security in West Africa.
The initiative was a key component of the Italian Shipping Academy Foundation (FAIMM) C7 West Africa Project.
The Climate Security Workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including security personnel, policymakers, and community leaders from across the West African sub-region.
Supported by the European Union, the workshop provided a vital platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing on the complex links between environmental changes and security challenges.
Over the two days, participants actively explored several key themes, including the, connection between climate change and conflict, examining how environmental degradation and resource scarcity can contribute to instability and violence.
Other topics included, National and International Policy Responses which analyzed existing policy frameworks and identifying opportunities for more effective interventions at both national and international levels.
Participants also discussed Community Engagement and Operational Risk Management, emphasizing the importance of involving local communities in climate security strategies and developing effective risk management approaches for climate-affected operations.
A significant outcome of the workshop was the collaborative development of practical strategies aimed at enhancing resilience, preventing conflict, and promoting adaptation in regions vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Participants engaged in robust discussions and shared valuable insights based on their diverse experiences. Officials of KAIPTC emphasized the importance of such collaborative efforts in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change in the region, hoping that the programme would help in fostering dialogue, building capacity, and contributing to a more resilient and secure future for West Africa.