EU–UN Cooperation for Climate Security: Advancing Peace and Resilience Through Locally Led Climate Technologies

In the sun-baked north of Cameroon , farmers turn cracked, dry soils into green oases through synecoculture, a farming method that mimics nature to plant dense, vibrant crops in dry lands, accessing water through deeper root systems, securing a harvest year-round and unlocking new incomes.

In Kaduna State, Nigeria , solar-powered hydroponic greenhouses now mean women can safely cultivate tomatoes, lettuce and peppers right at home instead of trekking to faraway fields where they are attacked by herders fighting over land, radically reducing risk while boosting food supply.

And in Zimbabwe's Gwanda District, the protein-rich mopane worm is now safely dried using solar machines by a women-run cooperative, replacing harmful forest fires, personal risk, and ensuring nutritious food for local families.

These three community-driven innovations, funded by the EU and supported by the UN exemplify how technology, local knowledge and inclusive approaches are not just improving lives, they are strengthening resilience, security and hope in the face of climate disruption.

UN-EU Collaboration

For years, the European Union (EU) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have worked alongside one another to tackle the intertwined realities of climate change, peace and security. Through flagship mechanisms like the EU-UNEP Climate, Environment, Peace and Security Partnership and the EU-CTCN Climate Change and Security Programme, they help countries identify and respond to climate-fueled risks that threaten stability and livelihoods. Over and over, communities are seeing increased violence and conflict over scares resources like water and arable land.

By bringing science, technology and community-led innovation together, these partnerships make clear that sustainable peace and climate resilience are inseparable. At COP30 in Belém, the EU, UNEP and CTCN showcased how these collaborations translate global ambition into meaningful action on the ground, in places where the threat of climate-driven conflict is most acute.

Speakers from the EU, UNEP and CTCN shared real-world examples of how coordinated, multilateral action, anchored in local voices and technologies can deliver measurable impact. Transformation doesn't just happen in boardrooms or negotiation halls; it happens in these communities, where green plots bloom on dry land, hydroponics flourish beside homes, and solar driers safeguard both food and forests.

It invites us to rethink climate action not only as mitigation or adaptation, but as an instrument of peace, equity and opportunity. Because when communities thrive, stability grows, and when technology meets trust, resilience becomes reality.

"While we have much work to do, the collaboration between the UN and the EU demonstrates how effective multilateral partnerships can translate a shared vision into tangible results for vulnerable communities - fostering peace and sustainable development." said Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP

Speakers included:

• Mr Tony Agotha, EU Special Envoy for Climate and Environment (Moderator)
• Ms Alicia Bárcena, Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources, Government of Mexico (TBC)
• Ms Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP
• Ms Ariesta Ningrum, Director, UN Climate Technology Centre and Network
• Mr Keith Wingeard, Partnerships Manager at Solar Cookers International
• Ms Ileana Ávalos R., PhD, Project Coordinator, CATIE

Climate change as a threat multiplier

The discussion recognised that climate change amplifies existing vulnerabilities, from food insecurity and resource scarcity to social tensions and forced displacement. These risks are felt most strongly at the local level, particularly in regions already experiencing fragility or conflict.

Building on the outcomes of previous COPs, including the Sharm el-Sheikh "Climate Responses for Sustaining Peace" (COP27), the Dubai "Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace" (COP28), and the Baku "Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery" (COP29), this event reaffirmed the growing global recognition of the climate-security nexus.

Key messages and takeaways

As COP30 advances the global climate agenda, the EU and UN reaffirm their shared determination to deliver climate action that supports peace and stability.

Through continued collaboration, including the EU-UNEP and EU-CTCN partnerships, both organisations aim to expand proven approaches, strengthen local capacities, and accelerate the deployment of climate technologies that protect lives and livelihoods.

The event concluded with a short video capturing voices from the field and reinforcing the central theme: climate action for peace and resilience.

Further reading

EU Funded Climate Change and Security Programme Impact Report