By Faridat Salifu
Efforts to address the growing link between climate change and conflict are gaining momentum as African countries prepare to meet in Abuja for a high-level dialogue on integrating climate adaptation with peacebuilding.
The three-day technical forum, scheduled for May 5 to 7, 2026, will bring together government representatives from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Liberia, Somalia, and South Sudan.
The peer learning event is co-hosted by the National Adaptation Plan Global Network in collaboration with the governments of Nigeria and Canada.
The dialogue aims to strengthen national responses to climate vulnerabilities while identifying adaptation measures that can reduce conflict and promote peace.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, said Nigeria is prioritising the integration of peacebuilding into its climate agenda.
She explained that the increasing impacts of climate change are worsening existing vulnerabilities, making it necessary for countries to adopt conflict-sensitive national adaptation plans.
Abiola-Awe noted that the forum will provide an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange among participating countries.
She added that national adaptation plan processes can serve as tools for strengthening policy dialogue, building trust, and advancing peacebuilding objectives.
The event is supported by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, which hosts the secretariat of the NAP Global Network.
Anne Hammill, Associate Vice-President for Resilience at IISD, said many conflict-affected countries are also among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
She stated that the national adaptation plan process can help address the cycle of vulnerability by integrating climate action with peacebuilding efforts.
Hammill added that the Abuja dialogue will encourage open discussions on how countries can better leverage adaptation planning to support stability.
Experts say conflict-affected countries often face competing priorities, including security challenges, restoration of public services, and access to clean water.
They noted that these pressures can limit the ability of governments to prioritise climate adaptation despite increasing risks.
Studies indicate that inclusive and effective national adaptation planning offers an opportunity to incorporate conflict considerations into climate policies.
The National Adaptation Plan Global Network has engaged more than 1,000 adaptation planners across 84 countries through its peer learning initiatives.
The forum is supported with funding from the Government of Ireland.
