Workshop: Towards a common vision: The impact of climate change on human security in Ethiopia
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Date
10.02.25 > 11.02.25
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Time
09:00 am > 04:00 pm UTC+03:00
Climate extremes in Ethiopia are intensifying pressure on food, land, and water systems, destabilizing livelihoods, health, and socio-economic stability.
Competition over dwindling resources, alongside displacement from refugees/IDPs, risks eroding social cohesion—particularly in climate-vulnerable regions. Gender, age, and livelihood disparities further compound these challenges, demanding inclusive solutions.
Regional initiatives like the African Union’s Common Position on Climate, Peace and Security and IGAD’s Climate Adaptation Strategy 2023-2030 highlight opportunities to leverage climate action for conflict prevention. It is in this context that the CGIAR FOCUS Climate Security team of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, co-convenes a stakeholder workshop in partnership with African Climate Policy Center, and the United Nations Economic Commision for Africa (UNECA).
This workshop aligns with the efforts mentioned, fostering dialogue on national and transboundary risks to peace and stability.
Objectives
This two-day workshop aims to:
- Build consensus on climate-driven vulnerabilities and human security risks in Ethiopia.
- Co-identify solutions using the Three Horizon Method:
- Horizon 1: Current climate impacts and resource tensions.
- Horizon 3: Envisioned resilient, cohesive communities.
- Horizon 2: Pathways for cross-sector collaboration (governments, NGOs, private sector).
Expected Outcome: A shared roadmap to integrate climate adaptation with peacebuilding, supporting Ethiopia’s resilience goals.
AGENDA
| Day 1: Identifying Climate, Peace, and Human Security Issues | ||
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Welcome
– Opening remarks by the workshop facilitator and co-conveners · Dr. Cosmas Ochieng, Director, Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resource Division, Economic Commission for Africa · Dr. Grazia Pacillo, Global Co-lead for Climate Security, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT · Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, United Nations, Ethiopia · H.E. Dr. Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia · H.E. Mr. Seyoum Mekonnen, State Minister, Ministry of Planning and Development of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia |
Moderator:
Dr. James Murombedzi, Coordinator, African Climate Policy Centre, ECA
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| 10:00 – 10:30 | – Presentation on workshop agenda and goals
· Overview of climate security · Aims and objectives of workshop · Three Horizon Method overview |
Presenters:
Dr. Radhika Singh, CIAT Dr. Joyce Takaindisa, CIAT Victor Villa, CIAT |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee Break | |
| 10:45 – 11:45 | Session 1: Panel discussion on key issues in climate, peace, and human security
– Types of migration, drivers, and impacts – Disaster risk reduction and disaster response – Effects of climate change on specific groups – Competition over natural resources |
Moderator:
Dr. Joyce Takaindisa, CIAT
Participants: Nimo Ahmed Abdilahi, UNHCR Enguday Meskele, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission Mawira Chitima, IFAD Beza Teferra, Welthungerhilfe |
| 11:45 – 12:00 | Comments and questions for panelists | Moderator:
Dr. Joyce Takaindisa, CIAT |
| 12:00 – 13:00
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Presentations on research approaches and initiatives
– CIAT Climate Security regional office presentation on “Research Approaches and Methodologies in Climate, Peace, And Security” – CIAT Ethiopia office presentation on “Building Climate Resilience and Conflict Management in Ethiopia’s Pastoral Regions through a User-Centered Water and Pasture Monitoring-Forecasting-Early Warning System” |
Presenters:
Brenda Chepngetich, CIAT Victor Villa, CIAT Dr. Sintayehu Alemayehu, CIAT |
| 13:00 –14:00 | Lunch | |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Session 2: Thematic discussion in working groups (Horizon 1)
– What are the current issues related to the effects on climate change on human security in Ethiopia? Articulate key priorities. |
Facilitators:
CIAT Climate Security Team |
| 15:00 – 16:00 | Session 3: Goal mapping for desired futures (Horizon 3)
– What are short, medium, and long-term realistic visions for the future? Articulate visions for the different thematic areas. Coffee is served in working groups |
Facilitators:
CIAT Climate Security Team |
| 16:00 – 16:45 | Plenary
– Presentation by each working group on key issues and desired futures for each theme |
Facilitators:
Brenda Chepngetich, CIAT Victor Villa, CIAT |
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16:45 – 17:00 |
Closing
– Open floor for questions and reflections and overview of Day 2 activities |
Facilitators:
Dr. Radhika Singh, CIAT |
| Day 2: Tackling Climate, Peace, and Human Security Issues | ||
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Recap of Day 1 and overview of the day’s agenda | Facilitator:
Dr. Joyce Takaindisa, CIAT |
| 09:30 – 10:30 | Session 4: Panel discussion on response to climate, peace and human security issues
– Coordination between stakeholders – Improving informal/formal institutional capacities – Strengthening policy coherence across sectors – Accessing finance and funding opportunities |
Moderator:
Dr. Radhika Singh, CIAT
Participants: Tendai Kasinganeti, UN Office to the African Union Dr. James Murombedzi, UNECA Habtamu Farada, Ministry of Finance |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Comments and questions for panelists | Moderator:
Dr. Radhika Singh, CIAT |
| 10:45 – 11:00 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:00 – 12:00 | Session 5: Thematic discussion in working groups (Horizon 2)
Given the current issues and key priorities (Horizon 1) and desired visions for the future (Horizon 3), what realistic steps can be taken to achieve goals? |
Facilitators:
CIAT Climate Security Team |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Plenary
– Presentation by each working group on how to improve response to climate, peace, and human security issues |
Facilitators:
Brenda Chepngetich, CIAT Victor Villa, CIAT |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch Break | |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Session 6: Research and evidence
– Brainstorming session on key research and data gaps on tackling climate, peace, and human security issues |
Facilitator:
Dr. Grazia Pacillo, CIAT |
| 15:00 – 16:00 | Concluding Remarks
– Summary of workshop outcomes and discussion on next steps |
Facilitator:
Dr. Grazia Pacillo, CIAT Dr. Joyce Takaindisa, CIAT |
