09 Apr UAE partners with UN Climate Security Mechanism
The United Arab Emirates has announced a new partnership with the United Nations Climate Security Mechanism (CSM) to address global challenges related to climate change.
The UAE has committed to providing an annual contribution of USD$600,000 for two years, totalling USD$1.2 million.
This contribution demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to strengthening the UN’s capacity to address the interlinkages between climate change, peace, and security.
Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy Transition and Sustainability Affairs, said: “The UAE has consistently sought to address the enormous risks of climate change on the UN Security Council and through the UAE’s presidency of COP28, to foster regional and global peace, justice, and sustainable development. Today, we take another important step in our commitment to proactive diplomacy and international collaboration on pressing global issues. This partnership with the UN Climate Security Mechanism reinforces our support for the multilateral system by supporting vital climate peace and security programming around the world, as well as dedicated funding for a climate advisor in Afghanistan to assess and mitigate the serious climate security risks in the country.”
As part of a new partnership, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will provide funding for the creation of a Climate Security Advisor position at the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
This position aims to assess climate-related security risks and develop strategies to prevent and manage these risks. Additionally, the partnership includes unearmarked funding for the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM) itself, which can be used to support global efforts for climate, peace, and security in a versatile manner.
Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Deputy Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN, said: “Afghanistan is one of the top 10 climate vulnerable countries on the globe – experiencing water shortages, floods, and other natural disasters that the country has little to no capacity to manage. We also know that targeted policy interventions and scaling up of climate adaptation measures can help address food insecurity and decrease humanitarian needs that are driven by climate change. Our partnership with the CSM is a testament to the UAE’s long-term commitment to advancing climate, peace and security and fostering climate adaptation, especially in the areas most vulnerable to climate change. It is also in line with the UAE’s unwavering dedication to the stability and prosperity of Afghanistan and its people, particularly its women and girls.”
Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said: “We are delighted that the UAE is now part of the Climate Security Mechanism. This partnership promises a positive impact on global climate, peace and security initiatives, including those for Afghanistan. The commitment of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Climate Security Mechanism to implementing the COP28 UAE Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace Declaration is steadfast.”
The UAE remains committed to advancing the climate, peace and security agenda across the UN system and around the world which is something that we’ll be exploring at The Security Middle East Conference on the 15th of May in Riyadh. Register your interest in becoming part of something bigger than yourself.