Protecting people, planet and peace – shaping the future of the security sector
When: 6 October 2023 | 15:50 - 16:50
Format: Roundtable discussion
Venue: Breakout room 1 (Willy-Brandt-Saal)
As our understanding of the security implications of climate change continues to evolve, so does our understanding of the roles the security sector can play in responding to climate security risks and addressing some of the factors driving climate change. Security sector actors working on disaster risk reduction, civil protection, and fighting environmental crime and degradation - as well as their relationships with communities in this space - have untapped potential to mitigate climate change impacts and protect terrestrial and maritime ecosystems and biodiversity.
Through research in Brazil, Colombia, Palestine, the Philippines, and Sierra Leone, DCAF has explored how security institutions in different regions are currently responding to climate and environmental risks. The research has also examined how security sector responses affect human security and community perceptions, and the role good security sector governance can play in shaping future approaches. Drawing from recent studies, experts from DCAF, adelphi, and the defense and disaster risk management communities explored the following questions:
- How can we better leverage security sector capacity to strengthen environmental protection and climate adaptation?
- Where can we capitalize on security sector roles in climate security to build legitimacy, trust and social cohesion between communities and security sector actors?
Speakers:
- Gen. Vincent Breton, General, French Ministry of the Armed Forces
- Nizar El Laz, Iraq Country Program Manager, Global Community Engagement & Resilience Fund (GCERF)
- Lukas Rüttinger, Senior Advisor, adelphi
Moderated by Abigail Robinson, Consultant, Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and Viola Csordas, SSR Advisor, Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF).
Return to BCSC 2023's agenda.