Mauritania's Prime Minister, Mochtar Ould Ajay, has stated that climate change has become one of the most significant factors contributing to economic and social fragility in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions. He made these remarks during the opening of the second session of the Climate, Peace, and Security Forum, held in Nouakchott in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. The Prime Minister stressed the need to integrate climate action into development and human security policies to promote peace.
The Prime Minister called for increased international solidarity, particularly in areas such as climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, and capacity building. He emphasized that addressing climate change requires collective action and cooperation among nations. The forum, which brings together stakeholders from the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions, aims to discuss the interconnectedness of climate change, peace, and security.
Mauritania has prioritized environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development, as reflected in its nationally determined contribution and programs for land restoration, rehabilitation, and coastal area protection. The country is also working to preserve biodiversity and develop a green economy. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to address the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable development.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation among Sahel and Gulf of Guinea countries, particularly in areas such as information sharing, early warning systems, and joint management of natural resources. He also emphasized the need to mobilize investments to enhance resilience and promote sustainable development. By working together, countries in the region can build their capacity to address climate-related challenges.
The Climate, Peace, and Security Forum aims to promote a better understanding of the relationships between climate change, peace, and security. The forum provides a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, expertise, and best practices in addressing climate-related security risks. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, the forum seeks to identify practical solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.
Prime Minister Ould Ajay urged participants to ensure that the forum leads to concrete and actionable recommendations that can help transform climate-related challenges into opportunities for development, stability, peace, and cooperation. He emphasized that the forum's success will depend on the ability of participants to work together and develop practical solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.
The forum's outcomes are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the climate-peace-security nexus and inform policy and decision-making at the national and regional levels. By promoting a more integrated approach to addressing climate change, peace, and security, the forum aims to support sustainable development and promote human well-being in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions.
Key points
- Climate change is a major factor in the economic and social fragility of the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions.
- Mauritania has prioritized environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development.
- The Climate, Peace, and Security Forum aims to promote a better understanding of the relationships between climate change, peace, and security.
