The expected effects of climate change are of great significance for international peace and security. Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change and already affected by warming trends and increases in drought. Climate change can act as a threat multiplier, influencing on water, food and energy security, changing and even increasing migration, raising tensions and increasing the risk of conflict.

The workshop assembled around 50 experts from the climate policy and development community including regionally-active organizations such as the AU, ACPC-UNECA, RECs, governments, research organizations and civil societies.  

The workshop participants discussed the impacts of climate change, new ways to integrate climate change into policies and the role of climate diplomacy in responding to the identified challenges. At the centre of the debate was the lack of knowledge and reliable data to understand and predict regional-specific climate change impacts in Africa. Knowledge and capacity building on the level of governments, institutions and civil society were seen as prerequisite for strengthening regional conflict resolution mechanisms and early warning systems. A new profile of climate diplomacy to enhance development cooperation, humanitarian assistance and support conflict prevention initiatives needs to be implemented.

The documentation of the event is available online.