To highlight its commitment to addressing the interconnected issues of climate change, peace, and security, the UAE has announced a partnership with the United Nations Climate Security Mechanism (CSM).

The deal involves $1.2 million, split into a two-year annual contribution of $600,000 from the UAE. This marks the country as the first donor from the Global South to contribute to the CSM.

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.” 

He added, “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 the partnership, the UAE will fund a Climate Security Advisor position at the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). This position aims to assess climate-related security risks and aid in developing risk prevention and management strategies.

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 driven by climate change.” 

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