Sweden is increasing its support for the UN’s work on climate and security in developing countries

It is gratifying that Sweden can help to better highlight the links between climate change and conflict in developing countries most vulnerable to climate change and their vulnerability. The UN Climate Security Mechanism has strongly contributed to the UN’s work in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries, such as Somalia, West Africa and the Sahel region, according to Development Aid Minister Matilda Earnranks.

The need to enhance the integration of climate and security in business and to increase understanding of the links between the effects of climate change and human and international security increases with the acceleration of climate change. The UN mechanism, launched by Sweden in 2018, is currently financially supported by five countries – Sweden, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a collaboration between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA).

Sweden’s continued and increased financial support to the UN Mechanism is contributing to an increased presence of expertise in more climate-vulnerable countries through, for example. UN missions, UN country offices, and regional institutions. In December 2020, 80% of UN staff were on peacekeeping missions in countries highly vulnerable to climate change.