Overcoming Obstacles and Strengthening Synergies
When: 13:45-14:45
Format: Panel discussion
Facing its sixth failed rainy season, the impacts of climate change on the Horn of Africa are complex, requiring synergistic responses. Climate change is exacerbating humanitarian crises, displacing millions and increasing the number of acute food insecure people across the region and undermining livelihoods. We know that better climate risk analysis is vital to tackle these risks, but we know too that technical capacities alone will not solve human-centered challenges. This panel explored the capacities and limitations of early warning systems and technological solutions to inform better conflict risk management and humanitarian relief. Panellists looked at how aid financing must take account of climate and conflict risks in order to effectively address the compound challenges at play. Panellists discussed how to drive people-centred anticipatory action and create strategic synergies across different sectors (in programming and funding) to promote joined-up action and better resource management to surmount structural obstacles like limited access to funds and single issue techno-fixes. The session outlined priorities, roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders to ensure these efforts are successful.
Speakers:
- Taye Abdulkadir, Senior Technical Member of the Continental Early Warning System, African Union
- Dr. Kwesi Sansculotte-Greenidge, Peacebuilding and Natural Resource Management Expert, WFP
- Dr. Sunday Okello, Conflict Transformation Specialist for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) – Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN)
Moderated by Sagal Abshir, Environment Security Unit Head, UNEP.