On 10–11 November, SIPRI, in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), convened the first meeting of the Regional Climate Security Working Group for West Africa. The objective of the working group is to map and link experts on climate security and build a common understanding across key groups in the region.
During the two-day event, experts explored the links between climate change and security in West Africa, as well as regional and continental efforts to address climate-related security risks. Discussions highlighted the humanitarian implications and social dimensions of climate-related security risks. Participants explored ways of amplifying regional voices by connecting local, national, regional and international advocacy for better addressing the links between climate change and conflict, and reinforcing human security, in West Africa.
The Regional Climate Security Working Group for West Africa brings together regional stakeholders, researchers, civil society and experts to periodically engage on climate-related security risks and how these can be integrated into current and future regional, continental and international efforts to address peace and security.