Prominent across the globe for its notable focus on sustainability practices, peaceful initiatives and charitable activities, the UAE has announced a sizeable $1.2 million partnership with the UN Climate Security Mechanism (CSM), as per the Emirates News Agency.
The partnership entails a two-year annual contribution of $600,000 from the Emirates, demonstrating the Gulf state’s commitment to bolstering the UN’s capacity to effectively address the interlinkages between climate change, peace and security.
The UAE is the first donor from the Global South to contribute to the CSM. It is a long-standing advocate for climate, peace and security. Expo City Dubai hosted the COP28 Summit in November 2023, convening participants from different countries.
Need for diplomacy and collaboration on pressing issues
The key annual climate conference marked an early success on its first day itself as participants agreed to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund. In addition, the landmark UAE Consensus carries the pressing message of ‘transitioning away from fossil fuels’ at the earliest.
“Today, we take another important step in our commitment to proactive diplomacy and international collaboration on pressing global issues,” said Abdulla Balalaa, the assistant minister for energy transition and sustainability affairs.
“This partnership … 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 … mitigate the serious climate security risks in the country.”
Dedication to stability and prosperity of Afghanistan
The initiative requires the Emirates to fund a Climate Security Advisor position at the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). In addition, it also includes earmarked funding for the CSM itself, in an effort to support global efforts for climate, peace and security.
The alarming list of climate vulnerable countries on the planet also has a spot for Afghanistan. The nation is experiencing notable water shortages, floods and other natural disasters that it has little to no capacity to manage.
The aforementioned partnership highlights the UAE’s unflinching dedication to the stability and prosperity of Afghanistan and its people, besides its long-term commitment to advancing climate, peace and security and fostering climate adaptation.
