The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a new partnership with the United Nations Climate Security Mechanism (CSM) to strengthen global efforts addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, peace, and security. The two-year commitment will see the UAE contribute $1.2 million, with an annual donation of $600,000. This marks the first contribution to the CSM by a nation from the Global South.
The partnership highlights the UAE's growing role in international climate action and its recognition of the complex relationship between climate and security. Climate change can exacerbate existing social and economic tensions, increase competition for resources, and displace populations, all of which can contribute to conflict. The CSM works to integrate climate-related security risks into UN peacekeeping efforts and peacebuilding initiatives.
Specific areas of focus within the partnership include funding a dedicated Climate Security Advisor position within the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). This advisor will play a critical role in assessing the country's vulnerability to climate-induced security risks and developing strategies to mitigate those risks.
"The UAE is a long-standing advocate for climate action, peace, and security," said a UAE spokesperson. "This partnership reinforces our support for the UN system and its vital climate, peace, and security programs." The contribution was welcomed by the UN, with officials praising the UAE's commitment to fostering international cooperation on this critical issue.
The CSM was established in 2018 as a joint initiative by several UN departments including the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The mechanism works to support UN field missions and regional organizations in conducting climate security risk assessments and developing risk management strategies.
The UAE's contribution comes at a time of heightened global focus on the climate-security nexus. The UN Security Council has increasingly recognized the security risks posed by climate change, and member states are exploring ways to integrate climate action into conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. The financial support provided by the UAE will bolster the CSM's ability to deliver critical technical assistance and capacity building programs in this area.
Experts believe the UAE's partnership with the CSM sets a positive precedent for other countries in the Global South to become more engaged in addressing the climate-security challenge. The contribution is a significant step forward in strengthening international cooperation on this critical issue.