At the COP29 Dialogue on Climate Change and Peace, Uganda's Ambassador Adonia Ayebare commended the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for its instrumental role in advancing the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change.
This landmark declaration, spearheaded by Uganda, highlights the interconnections between climate-induced mobility and peace-building.
“It is a great pleasure today for me to speak at this very important event. It is important to understand interlinkages between peace and climate, as well as how cooperation could be enhanced at the international level to enable stronger resilience of the most vulnerable,” Ambassador Ayebare said, setting the tone for the dialogue.
Climate and Conflict: An Intricate Nexus
Ambassador Ayebare highlighted the complex relationship between climate change and conflict, emphasising the need for a nuanced approach.
“Climate change can trigger or exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, fragilities, or conflicts by impacting food or water security, causing forced migration or displacement, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting livelihoods,” he stated.
He also warned that fragile contexts could hinder adaptation efforts, exacerbating environmental challenges and vulnerabilities.
The dialogue also drew attention to the importance of incorporating fragile contexts into national planning and policy frameworks. Ambassador Ayebare underscored the necessity of evidence-based climate action, particularly in areas affected by conflict or fragility.
He remarked, “We need to strengthen the evidence base on climate action in contexts affected by fragility or conflict and ensure that adaptation planning includes vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities.”
Financing Resilience in Fragile Contexts
One of the key points raised by the ambassador was the critical role of financial resources in building resilience. He called for an increase in climate adaptation funding, particularly for fragile contexts, to address vulnerabilities effectively.
“There is a need to scale up the provision of financial resources and other means of implementation for climate change adaptation and resilience-building in fragile contexts,” he said.
Ambassador Ayebare emphasised the importance of aligning resources with local and national priorities. This approach, he explained, ensures that funds reach the communities most affected by climate-related challenges and supports inclusive adaptation efforts.
The Kampala Ministerial Declaration: A Model for Action
At the heart of the ambassador’s address was her recognition of the Kampala Ministerial Declaration as a transformative framework. he praised its comprehensive approach to addressing climate-induced migration and its continental expansion at the Africa Climate Summit.
“The Kampala Declaration provides a comprehensive, action-oriented framework led by member States to address climate-induced mobility in a practical and effective manner,” Ambassador Ayebare stated.
The declaration aims to tackle the root causes of vulnerability and offer solutions that integrate migration, climate change, and conflict considerations into development plans.
Uganda has positioned itself as a leader in this domain, demonstrating its commitment to driving impactful climate and peace initiatives.
Collaboration for Global and Regional Impact
Ambassador Ayebare also called for enhanced regional and global cooperation, emphasising transboundary issues such as human mobility and water governance.
He noted, “Regional and global considerations can contribute to achieving key actions in relation to peace and climate change. It is important to understand the mandates of different processes and look into identifying avenues for collaborative approaches.”
A Call to Action
Closing his remarks,
Ambassador Ayebare reiterated Uganda’s commitment to addressing the intersection of climate change and peace.
“Uganda remains committed to contribute to the work ahead, and to ensure that we build on today’s discussion to progress the work on peace and climate change,” he concluded.
Through its advocacy for evidence-based policies, financial support, and international cooperation, Uganda continues to set an example in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, migration, and peace-building. Ambassador Ayebare’s address at COP29 underscored the urgency of these efforts, reinforcing the need for unified global action.