The independent resource on global security

Programme Day 1—Monday, 23 May

Programme Day 1

09.00–10.15 CEST Urban fragility and violence within a changing climate

European Union Institute for Security Studies, Peace in our Cities and United States Institute of Peace 

This roundtable focuses on the nexus between urbanization, fragility, violence and climate change. It discusses the links between climate change and urban growth and how weak governance, complicated by climate-induced stresses and a rapidly growing urban population, can aggravate the risk of urban conflicts and violence. It explores how climate and environment-sensitive approaches to urban peacebuilding can contribute to addressing drivers of fragility and sustaining peaceful communities. Participants will discuss practical solutions to help cities address the climate change–fragility nexus. Particular attention will be given to the African continent. Galleriet

09.00–10.15 CEST Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in the context of climate insecurity: Challenges and opportunities

Folke Bernadotte Academy, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and United Nations Department of Peace Operations

This session builds on research aimed at assisting the UN Department of Peace Operations, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) section to better understand the relation between climate change and armed group behaviour. It identifies entry points for engagement to address the security challenges brought on by climate change. It provides insight into challenges and opportunities climate change presents to DDR processes with contrasting perspectives from experts and practitioners.

Fogelström

09.00–10.15 CEST Building resilience to climate-security risks in the Sahel: Insights from research and practice

European Centre for Development Policy Management, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Mercy Corps and Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises

This session provides practical and policy solutions to better manage transboundary climate and security risks in the Sahel. It seeks to deepen the understanding of governing and civil society actors at local, national and regional level to building resilience against such risks. This session is for practitioners, policymakers and researchers working in the climate and security domains in the Sahel who are interested in concrete, solution-oriented approaches to respond to climate and security risks. Online

09.00–10.15 CEST Food security, migration and conflict in a climate of change

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Interpeace and International Organization of Migration

This session explores practical solutions to climate-related human security concerns and peace, through a resilience lens. Using Kenya as a case study, the session aims to share insights on transformational solutions, recognizing that climate security plays out in very specific ways at the local level. The session is for those who seek to share and learn from practical experiences and solutions at the local level, and how these can inform global level dialogues and strategies, so we can address critical challenges in a more consistent and systematic manner. Online

09.00–10.15 CEST Environmental organized crime and armed conflict: What role for peace operations?

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and Swedish Police Authority 

This session explores the links between environmental organized crime, corruption and armed groups in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Participants gain a deeper understanding of what options exist for peace operations and UN police to play a more effective role countering this growing phenomenon. Arkaden

09.00–11.00 CEST Responding to climate-related security risks: Initiatives by the European Union and its member states

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

This workshop examines European Union (EU) member states’ initiatives on climate-related security risks. It facilitates learning between member states by discussing similarities and differences between their responses to climate-related security risks. In addition, it explores, together with national and EU policy practitioners, openings to advance existing initiatives to stem climate-related security risks. Participants gain a clearer understanding of what initiatives EU member states are taking to respond to climate-related security risks at national and EU level, how these compare, and possible openings for further action. Riddarsalen

10.30–11.30 CEST Strengthening local capacity to prevent and adapt to climate-security risks: Lessons from West Africa

United States Institute of Peace and Wilson Center

This session explores good practices in strengthening local capacity to predict and manage climate-related security risks in parts of West Africa, including risks such as climate-induced migration, local conflicts and recruitment by violent extremists. The session is for policymakers, non-government leaders and experts who seek to deepen their understanding of how donors can help governments and local communities in the region predict and manage environmental change and sustain peace. Galleriet

10.30–11.30 CEST Inclusivity X climate security: From words to deeds

Adelphi, Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies at NYU Center on International Cooperation, Search for Common Ground and United Nations Environment Programme

The session highlights the need for inclusive climate security policies and practices, with a particular focus on areas most affected by climate change and least equipped to manage climate and security stressors. The session highlights the expertise, tenacity and potential of women, youth and marginalized groups in addressing climate-related security risks. It highlights practical examples of how to ensure inclusivity in climate-security practice, and its benefits. Arkaden

10.30–11.30 CEST The European Union, climate change and conflict: Conflict sensitivity as an entry point for integrated engagements

European Peacebuilding Liaison Office

The session seeks to explore and promote the importance of conflict sensitivity for the European Union (EU) and civil society organizations to address the challenges posed by the interlinkages between climate change and conflict in an integrated manner. Online

10.30–11.30 CEST Peace, food and climate change: Learning from agriculture resilience approaches 

Busara Center and Food For the Hungry

This session seeks to spark a deeper conversation between two fields that rarely communicate: agriculturalists working towards resilient economies with climate-friendly food security and peacebuilders using resilience frameworks particularly in fragile settings. It connects to the session on food security, migration and climate change with the aim of bringing practical, agricultural resilience approaches into the realm of peacebuilding. Online

11.30–12.00 CEST Fireside chat with Christophe Hodder—Stemming climate change and insecurity: The case of Somalia 

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

Climate-related change in Somalia has reduced livelihood options and contributed to migration. It has also left significant parts of the population in a vulnerable condition. These climate-related security risks add to grievances and increase inequality and fragility, which in turn pose challenges to the implementation of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia’s (UNSOM) mandate, including efforts to establish functioning governance and judicial systems. Among UNSOM’s responses has been the deployment of a climate security advisor to the mission. In a conversation with Chris Hodder, UNSOM Climate Security Advisor, we will look at the first years of the deployment. What are the tremendous challenges Somalia is facing from climate change and insecurity and what can and is being done to address them?

Speaker

Christophe Hodder, Climate Security Advisor, United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia

The Fireside chat with Christophe Hodder will be live streamed on SIPRI's YouTube Channel.

Riddarsalen

12.00–12.45 CEST Environment of Peace Report Launch

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

At this session, SIPRI will launch its major report Environment of Peace: Security in a New Era of Risk. The report's key findings will be shared by Chair of the Environment of Peace International Expert Panel, former Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström, Director of SIPRI Dan Smith, COO of Elman Peace Ilwad Elman and member of the Environment of Peace Youth Expert Panel Javeria Kella.

Speakers

Margot Wallström, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden

Ilwad Elman, Chief Operating Officer, Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre

Javeria Kella, Senior Officer, Programme Development and Safeguards, World Wide Fund for Nature – Pakistan 

Dan Smith, Director, SIPRI

Mässhallen

13.30–14.00 CEST Stockholm Forum Opening

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Welcome remarks

Jan Eliasson, Chair, SIPRI Governing Board

Keynote address

Nisreen Elsaim, President, Sudan Youth for Climate Change and Chair, United Nations Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change

The Opening session will be live streamed on SIPRI's YouTube Channel.

Mässhallen

14.00–15.15 CEST Opening panel: Securing peace in a new era of environmental risk

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Armed conflicts are at a record high, non-state armed groups are proliferating, and the war in Ukraine has triggered the worst refugee crisis since World War II. Simultaneously, a second security crisis is raging as the impacts of rapid environmental and climate change are increasingly felt by populations around the world. Governments and decision makers are struggling to address the concurrent security and environmental crises through separate institutions and responses. However, the interlinkages between the crises call for more coherent approaches. There is a need to rethink security: what is it, who is it for and when and how can we achieve it? How can we stem the climate crisis when multilateralism is being undermined by war in Europe? How can policy priorities prevent one crisis replacing another and instead tackle them simultaneously?

Speakers

Dan Smith, Director, SIPRI

Ann Linde, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden

Ilwad Elman, Chief Operating Officer, Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre

Comfort Ero, President and CEO, International Crisis Group

Jessica Tuchman Mathews, Distinguished Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

The opening session will be live streamed on SIPRI's YouTube Channel.

Mässhallen

15.40–16.00 CEST Spotlight presentation by Ili Nadiah Dzulfakar – Climate and civil society: Reflections from Malaysia

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute 

Climate activism, popular movements and civil society have played a fundamental role in environmental issues climbing the political agenda. In this spotlight talk, Malaysian climate activist Ili Nadiah Dzulfakar shares her insights on what climate justice is, how she is contributing to it, and what needs to change to bring it about.

Speaker

Ili Nadiah binti Dzulfakar, Co-founder and Chairperson, KAMY - Klima Action Malaysia

This session will be live streamed on SIPRI's YouTube Channel.

Mässhallen

16.00–17.15 CEST Addressing the climate crisis and protecting the future of democracy

International IDEA, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs 

Effectively addressing the climate crisis and protecting the future of democracy are two agendas that have remained largely separate despite their connection. On the one hand, the outcome of the climate crisis will depend on whether democracies can drastically reduce their carbon footprints in the short-to-medium term, as democracies generate over 50 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the future of democracy as a credible political system may well be riding on its ability to effectively deal with an existential issue for humankind. The question is what could be done to enhance the ability of democratic systems to respond to the climate crisis; how can the assets democracy brings to the table be leveraged to address climate-related security issues and, conversely, how can the shortcomings that often affect its performance (e.g. short-termism, cumbersome decision-making processes, opportunities for policy capture) be mitigated? This panel pays particular attention to how democracies can better listen to and absorb proposals by young civil society actors. It will be preceded by a spotlight talk by a youth environmental defender.

Speakers

Kevin Casas Zamora, Secretary General, International IDEA

Magnus Nilsson, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Sweden

Felipe Calderón, Former President of Mexico

Ili Nadiah binti Dzulfakar, Co-founder and Chairperson, KAMY - Klima Action Malaysia

Nisreen Elsaim, President, Sudan Youth for Climate Change and Chair, United Nations Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change

This session will be live streamed on SIPRI's YouTube Channel.

Mässhallen

17.30–18.45 CEST Fridays for Peace? What youth peacebuilders can learn from global youth climate advocacy

Inclusive Peace and Humanity United 

This session brings together youth from climate change movements and peace and security activists to share lessons on how to effectively organize and mobilize their constituencies. It will allow them to jointly strategize about how to collectively influence policymakers. What aspects of youth advocacy work have been effective at influencing global policymaking and why? What lessons emerge to inform future strategies? This session is thematically linked to the session organized by the Swedish Dialogue Institute for the Middle East and North Africa, on the role of youth movements in the context of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Online

17.30–18.45 CEST Indigenous peoples, climate change and the role of decent work for a just and peaceful transition

Indigenous Peoples Major Group for Sustainable Development, International Labour Organization and Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples

This session focuses on the interlinkages between indigenous peoples’ rights, climate action, the world of work, human security, and peace. It provides insights from the perspectives of indigenous peoples and government officials. The discussion aims to identify actions for increasing policy coherence and building innovative partnerships that (a) address the risks faced by indigenous peoples from the impacts of climate change; and (b) seek contributions from indigenous women and men to advance climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Online

17.30–18.45 CEST Peacebuilding contributions to crisis and climate change response: Learning from practice

Quaker United Nations Office and United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office

The consequences of delayed action on climate change and environmental degradation pose an increasing danger to peace, undermine prevention efforts, and compound conflict and security risk drivers. The global landscape shows the need for better coordination and alignment in crisis contexts, including between the peacebuilding, humanitarian and development fields. Peacebuilding tools and approaches can strengthen efforts by connecting short term response to long-term peace, human rights and development needs in climate change adaptation and mitigation. However, challenges remain in understanding what such tools and approaches mean practically. By convening leaders working at the forefront of the peace/crisis/climate interface, this roundtable will foster learning and exchange to inform and influence policy and practice. Questions include: What constitute peacebuilding tools for climate program development in crisis contexts? Why and how are these tools and approaches being used, and what is the peace impact? What are we learning to improve policy so peacebuilding approaches are strengthening crisis response and leading to greater peace gains?  Online

16.45–17.45 CEST What's the password? Language and inclusion of young people in policy spaces

Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, Interpeace and Life & Peace Institute

This roundtable brings together young people and policy actors to share their experiences of exclusion and inclusion through language in the policy space of climate, peace and conflict. The roundtable invites speakers and participants to reflect on the use of jargon and specific language(s), the impacts of translation and representation in policy processes and what information is valued (or not) as evidence. It examines how language affects which actors participate in analysis, policymaking and funding priorities. Online

18.15–19.30 CEST SIPRI Lecture by Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

SIPRI is proud to host the fourth annual SIPRI Lecture, held on the theme of ‘Environment of Peace’.

The lecture will be delivered by HE Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme. Clark is known for her lifelong career of public service and her dedication to the promotion of peace, inclusion and sustainability. Clark is also a panellist for SIPRI’s Environment of Peace initiative, which will launch a major report during the 2022 Stockholm Forum on Peace and Development.

The lecture will be followed by a panel conversation.

Welcome address

Ambassador Jan Eliasson, Chair, SIPRI Governing Board

Opening remarks

HE Ann Linde, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden

Panellists

Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel

Ilwad Elman, Chief Operating Officer, Elman Peace, and panellist for SIPRI’s Environment of Peace initiative

HE Margot Wallström, Chair of SIPRI’s Environment of Peace initiative

Moderator

Dan Smith, Director, SIPRI

The lecture will be live-streamed on SIPRI's YouTube Channel.

Mässhallen