Thematic Workshop - Navigating the Nexus: Climate Change and Displacement in conflict-affected Settings
- Date:
- Location: Luxor, Egypt
Experts and stakeholders from across Khartoum Process partner countries and institutions gathered in Luxor, Egypt to address the pressing challenges posed by climate displacement in conflict-affected regions. This thematic workshop convened leaders, policymakers, and specialists to explore sustainable solutions for communities most vulnerable to climate-induced displacement. In the opening remarks, the esteemed speakers emphasised the urgency of integrated strategies to mitigate the dual impacts of climate and conflict on displacement. The keynote speaker, Dr. Elizabeth Carabine from UNEP, underscored the need for transboundary cooperation, particularly in the Horn of Africa, a region facing severe environmental stressors and displacement challenges.
The high-level panel at the thematic workshop brought together prominent figures from international organisations, regional bodies, and governmental agencies to discuss national and regional strategies for addressing climate-induced displacement in conflict-affected settings. Moderated by Andrew Harper from UNHCR, the discussion showcased insights from Ambassador Ahmed Abdel-Latif of the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Ambassador Smiljana Knez of Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Dr. Mamadou Dian Balde from UNHCR, and other distinguished panellists. They explored successful approaches and challenges in integrating climate adaptation, displacement management, and peacebuilding. Panellists emphasised that lasting solutions require inclusive strategies, particularly those focused on vulnerable groups and gender-sensitive approaches, to build resilience and stability in communities facing overlapping climate and conflict risks.
Further, the event featured sessions on policy frameworks, panel discussions on best practices, and interactive workshops, where participants examined regional resilience strategies and discussed actionable solutions. Highlights included calls for inclusive, gender-sensitive programming and sustainable funding mechanisms that address both immediate displacement needs and long-term resilience. Participants also underscored the importance of integrating climate adaptation into peacebuilding efforts.
The workshop concluded with a set of recommendations for fostering peace and resilience, focusing on strengthening community-led climate adaptation, advancing inclusive policy frameworks, and building strategic partnerships to support affected populations. Participants were urged to bring forward these recommendations at the COP29, reinforcing the commitment to address climate change and displacement in conflict-prone settings through collaborative, multi-sectoral efforts.