Climate, Peace, and Security in the Great Lakes Region: A Joint Pledge

Climate Change as a Risk Multiplier

• 🌍 The Great Lakes region faces interconnected challenges of instability, conflict, food and water insecurity, environmental degradation, and resource exploitation.
• ⚠️ Climate change is identified as a significant risk multiplier, exacerbating competition over natural resources, deepening social inequalities, and driving forced displacement.
• 📈 It is crucial to implement resolution 2773 for an effective and lasting cessation of hostilities.

Prioritizing Resilient Local Systems

• 🤝 Building resilient local systems to manage conflicts over land, water, and natural resources is a top priority.
• 🌱 National authorities and the international community must scale up community-driven initiatives that promote sustainable practices.
• 🕊️ Integrating climate risks into conflict resolution and peacebuilding strategies is vital for fostering cooperation and addressing root causes of instability.

Strengthening Partnerships and Inclusion

• 🗣️ Robust partnerships among civil society, local stakeholders, and policymakers are essential.
• 👥 Ensuring the inclusion of voices from communities, especially women, youth, and marginalized groups, in climate peace and security dialogues is critical.
• ✨ Multistakeholder action, particularly with women and youth-led organizations, enhances resilience, social cohesion, and reconciliation.

International Support for Adaptation and Mitigation

• 🌍 The international community is called upon to support regional authorities in implementing conflict-sensitive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• 🚨 This includes enhancing early warning systems, disaster risk reduction measures, and climate-responsive planning.
• 🌐 Member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes region (ICGLR) and regional economic communities must collaboratively address the intertwined effects of climate change and conflict for lasting peace and shared prosperity.