Today, as one of the signature events of its presidency, the UAE convened a ministerial-level open debate on climate change, peace and security under the “Threats to international peace and security” agenda item. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mariam Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
The time is now to fully expose and better comprehend how these phenomena [climate, peace and security] interact, what role the international community can play, and how we can collaborate to build more prosperous, climate-resilient, and peaceful societies,
She announced the COP28 Presidency's special attention to the climate security challenge and its intention to introduce "Relief, Recovery and Peace Day", the first of its kind at any COP. It will also address the "critical lack of accessible, affordable, and sufficient climate finance – particularly for countries and communities experiencing humanitarian and security crises."
After the end of the UAE term, the engagement on climate and water security will be continued by Slovenia, elected as a non-permanent member for the 2024–2025 term just a week ago. Slovenia's priority will be to advance a more systematic approach of the Security Council to climate, peace and security and to protect water infrastructure in armed conflicts. It also aims to better integrate climate dialogue with the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
