One of the most enduring lessons learned over the past 75 years of peacekeeping is that peace cannot be imposed.
Author: Cedric de Coning
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Actions to address the effects of climate challenges can contribute to sustaining peace, while peacebuilding initiatives can, at times, also strengthen the capacity of communities to adapt to climate change.
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The ways forward are clear. If they are taken, Security Council leadership on addressing climate-related security risks—underpinned by a thematic resolution—is still in prospect.
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How we choose to adapt to and mitigate climate change can either cause harm, including potentially triggering conflict, or it can contribute to sustaining peace.
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Climate- and conflict-affected countries are trapped in a negative spiral where climate change undermines the ability to cope with conflict, and conflict undermines the resilience to cope with climate change.
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Although MINUSMA’s support to the G5 Sahel Force has been essential and critical, a number of challenges have prevented the force from fully benefitting from the support provided by the UN.
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Efforts to translate climate and environmental-related mandates into policies and practices are a work in progress, and can benefit from ongoing learning, monitoring, and adaptation.
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A shift to people-centered peace operations implies moving away from a narrow focus on state-building, institutional capacity, and the extension of state authority.
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Some new practices are specific to the pandemic and will change over time, while others are likely to be more lasting.
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Significant reductions and changes in the way peace operations function may be needed over the coming months.
