Introduction

The traditional Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union for 2019 scheduled for 10th-11th February 2019 on the theme, “the year of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons” will be an opportunity to raise the profile and prominence of climate induced migration and insecurity, as this is the year for African policy makers to provide guidance and build understanding on the subject.

The high level event hosted by ECA, AUC and PACJA will deeply reflect on the trends and conversations on the nexus between climate change, displacement, migration and conflict, and come up with recommendations for the Heads of State Summit. A way forward and plan of action for subsequent conversations and outreach will also be developed.

Further, the proposed event aims to bring together key stakeholders to critically examine the issue climate-induced human insecurity in Africa (particularly in the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions), assess how adequate the Paris Agreement is in enabling actions that address these issues and turn climate change challenges into prospects of socio-economic and inclusive transformation on the continent.

Objectives

The proposed event aims to bring together key stakeholders to critically examine the issue climate-induced human insecurity in Africa (particularly in the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions) assess how adequate the Paris Agreement is in enabling actions that address these issues and turn climate change challenges into prospects of socio-economic and inclusive transformation on the continent. Specifically, the event will:

• Interrogate the outcomes of the UNFCCC-COP24 vis-à-vis overall African position and expectations from various stakeholders;
• Raise the profile of climate change, the implementation of NDCs in the context of the theme of the 2019 African Union Summit: “the year of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons”;
• Interrogate the nexus between climate change and displacement, conflict and security in Africa;
• Develop recommendations for Heads of State Summit to consider as the African Union Summit Declaration on Climate Change and Migration;
• Develop and agree on a work programme, and role of each stakeholder in advancing the conversation on climate change, conflict and migration in the African continent;

Expected Outputs

It is expected that the deliberations of the proposed event will lead to the formulation of a strategic framework for enhancing implementation of nationally determined contributions to climate action under the framework of the Paris Agreement for better, inclusive and resilient livelihoods in Africa. It will focus on achieving the following major outputs:

• Identification of key highlights of African victories and losses during the COP24 and the way forward;
• Clear understanding of climate change and migration trends, conversations and nexus thereof;
• Recommendations on climate change risks and migration developed for submission to Heads of State for consideration and decision;