Ensuring conflict sensitivity in the Loss and Damage Fund
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Ensuring conflict sensitivity in the Loss and Damage Fund

When: 16 October 2023 | 11:00-12:30 CET

Read the session summary Why conflict sensitivity matters: Takeaways from the discussion on the Loss & Damage Fund here.

Climate change undermines sustainable development, particularly in fragile and conflict affected areas. It threatens the livelihoods of the most vulnerable and can increase social inequalities. In areas where the impacts of climate change have not been and cannot be avoided through adaptation and mitigation measures, irreversible economic and non-economic losses are already a reality. 

The decision to establish a loss and damage fund during COP27 represents a step forward to achieving climate justice. The new mechanism must deliver on the need to provide financial support to those who have contributed the least to the climate crisis and are impacted the most. Indeed, 70% of climate fragile countries are at risk of or in a situation of violent conflict.

The digital panel discussion will address:

  • Why does the urgent need for conflict sensitivity play an important role in the loss and damage debate? Why is this debate key to broader conflict sensitive climate finance discussions?
  • How can the loss and damage fund can be set up and implemented in a way that does not reinforce existing inequalities and conflict dynamics?
  • How can the new fund guarantee the needs of conflict and climate change affected communities are addressed and that no further harm is done?

These questions will be discussed with representatives from a wide range of expertise including youth, donors, civil society and policy experts.

Speakers:

  • Nisreen Elsaim, Climate Activist and UN Secretary General's youth adviser on climate change
  • Harjeet Singh, Climate Policy Expert, Head of Global Political Strategy, CAN International
  • Harriet Mackaill-Hill, Climate and Peace Advocacy Advisor, International Alert
  • Sebastian Lesch, Head of the Climate Policy Division, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Moderated by Caroline Kruckow and Nina Strumpf (FriEnt) 

Hosted by the Working Group on Peace and Development (FriEnt) and International Alert