The UN edition of the Berlin Climate and Security Conference in New York City explored how the broader UN system can more effectively fulfil its mandate in an era of climate driven security risks and inform strategic approaches that navigate political challenges. Bridging the gap between recognition and action has emerged as one of the defining tasks of the climate, peace and security agenda.
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Since its inaugural edition in Berlin in 2019, the Berlin Climate and Security Conference (BCSC) has become the leading global forum connecting governments, international organisations, experts and practitioners working to advance the agenda. Building on regional editions in Nairobi, Cali and Rio de Janeiro, BCSC-New York brought the conversation to the heart of multilateral diplomacy.
On 29 April, UN member states, UN entities, regional organisations, civil society and practitioners convened in New York to examine priorities, opportunities and challenges within the UN system. Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Germany to the UN, supported by adelphi global, and organised in partnership with the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM) and the Group of Friends on Climate and Security, the conference pursued three strategic goals:
- Mapping the landscape: Taking stock of current UN engagement on climate, peace and security (CPS), drawing lessons from recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) initiatives and identifying entry points for strengthened action.
- Leveraging existing mechanisms: Exploring how the Group of Friends on Climate and Security, the CSM and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) can build political momentum and institutional capacity for integrated CPS responses.
- Making the UN fit for purpose: Identifying what concrete reforms – in financing, early warning, peacekeeping mandates and conflict risk analysis – are needed to address CPS challenges and deliver on the UN80 Initiative