Bahir Dar, Ethiopia — The African Union Commission Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AUCPAPS) and GIZ-AU Office will co-convene a side event with the Tana Forum during the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, scheduled to take place from 23 – 25 October 2026, to advance dialogue on climate change, peace and security in Africa, and support practical, African-led responses to climate change-related risks affecting peace and security.

Participants are expected to share their expertise and perspectives, with discussions grounded in African realities, priorities and locally led solutions.

Across the continent, rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, floods, desertification and other climate change-related pressures are placing growing strain on livelihoods, ecosystems and governance systems. These pressures are especially acute in fragile and conflict-affected settings where communities depend on agriculture, pastoralism, fisheries and natural-resource-based economies.

While climate change is rarely a direct cause of violent conflict, it can act as a threat multiplier by deepening existing social, economic and political vulnerabilities. Competition over natural resources, displacement, food insecurity and loss of livelihoods can increase tensions where institutions are not able to manage shocks or mediate disputes effectively.

The side event will move the conversation from risk diagnosis to practical responses. It will bring together policymakers, practitioners, researchers and civil society representatives to examine how African countries and communities are strengthening resilience, managing resource-related tensions and connecting local solutions with national, regional and continental policy.

The event is expected to generate focused policy messages, document practical examples of African-led responses and strengthen networks among institutions and partners working on climate resilience, conflict prevention and sustainable peace.