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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

The fourth Security Implications of Climate Change Symposium, organized by U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and the U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP) in concert with the Armed Forces of Cote d’Ivoire, convened in Abidjan July 15-18.

The symposium brought together more than 100 military and government representatives from the United States, African and European nations to identify practical and actionable solutions to climate security threats, along with future opportunities to collaborate on climate risk.

“Climate change will increasingly shape conflicts from local to geopolitical scales, with implications for military professionals,” Dr. Tegan Blaine, Director, U.S. Institute of Peace, Program on Climate, Environment, and Conflict said.

Brig. Gen. Shawn Holtz, Director of Strategy, Engagement, and Programs for USAFRICOM, emphasized the importance of gathering U.S. and African partners together for this climate-focused event.

“Our number one goal for this conference is to generate practical solutions that our militaries, in partnership with United States Africa Command and nations like Cote D’Ivoire, can implement together, addressing the challenges posed by climate change,” Holtz said. 

Director General of Strategic Affairs, Armed Forces of Cote d’Ivoire, Brig. Gen. Diarrasouba Bakery emphasized the global importance of addressing climate change as a top security priority requiring immediate attention. “We are in an era where it is clear that climate change stands as one of humanity’s most distinct challenges, and we are compelled to turn those challenges into opportunities,” he said.

Throughout the symposium, distinguished participants, including high-level delegates from the science community, shared their enthusiasm for the event to generate innovative ideas and actionable initiatives where the U.S. and African partners can work together for meaningful outcomes. The Symposium served as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, enabling participants to collectively develop practical solutions to address the complex challenges posed by climate change and enhance security across the African continent.

For additional information, please contact the U.S. Embassy Press Office at AbidjanPDS@state.gov.