UN Envoy for Horn of Africa urges stronger regional collaboration on climate security
United Nations Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ms. Hanna Tetteh has called for strengthened collaboration across the region on climate security during her courtesy call to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC).
Ms. Hanna Tetteh, the UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, made a courtesy call to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) to strengthen ongoing efforts in addressing the intersection of climate, peace, and security in the region.
The visit highlighted the collaboration between the United Nations and regional bodies like IGAD in promoting climate resilience and peacebuilding. As Eastern Africa faces increasing threats from climate-related risks, the need for coordinated action is more crucial than ever.
“Climate change is a critical driver of conflict in the Horn of Africa, and our partnership with world-class institutions such as ICPAC is essential in strengthening early warning systems that provide real-time data. These systems are key in saving lives and livelihoods by enabling communities to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate-related crises before they escalate,” said Ms. Hanna Tetteh.
“ICPAC’s collaboration with the UN has been key in advancing climate security efforts in the Horn of Africa. Our early warning systems play a key role in addressing the impacts of climate change on peace and security in the region. Today’s visit by Ms. Tetteh reaffirms our shared commitment to using data-driven solutions to build resilience and promote long-term stability,” said ICPAC Officer-in-Charge Dr. Abdi Fidar.
Eastern Africa has become a global leader in developing advanced early warning systems, spearheaded by IGAD’s specialized institutions like ICPAC. The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) provides important climate services, including forecasting and early warnings, which play an important role in addressing climate-related risks. Together with IGAD’s Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN), which monitors conflict scenarios and formulates response options, the region has enhanced its ability to assess risks related to climate, peace, and security.
Focus Areas of the Courtesy Call:
Enhancing Climate Security: Ms. Tetteh’s visit underscores the importance of addressing climate as a key driver of conflict in the IGAD region. She acknowledges ICPAC’s contributions to the broader IGAD efforts, especially its climate services that inform peacebuilding strategies.
- Collaboration Across Institutions in the Horn of Africa: The visit highlighted the synergy between institutions in the region in addressing security and climate-related challenges By combining data from both institutions, the region is better equipped to predict and respond to conflict outcomes linked to climate stressors, such as natural hazards and resource scarcity.
- Scaling Early Warning Systems: ICPAC’s ability to provide timely and accurate climate information has been instrumental in mitigating the impacts of climate-related disasters. Ms. Te the importance of these early warning systems, which not only support disaster preparedness but also inform conflict prevention efforts across Eastern Africa.
Ms. Tetteh’s visit marks a significant moment in strengthening the climate-security nexus in the Horn of Africa. As the region grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and conflict, IGAD institutions like ICPAC are at the forefront of building resilience through data-driven solutions. The media story will focus on how the collaboration between entities is transforming the way the region responds to both climate and security risks, with early warnings and predictive data playing a central role in shaping policies that promote peace and stability.
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