Locally led action on climate, peace, and stability: experiences from Latin America, the Middle East, Central and South Asia

The session “Locally led action on climate, peace, and stability: experiences from Latin America, the Middle East, Central and South Asia” was organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the EU–UNEP Partnership on Climate, Environment, Peace and Security, together with regional partners: the Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE), the Scientific Information Centre of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia (SIC ICWC), the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI), and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The session took place online on 16 October 2025 as part of Geneva Peace Week 2025. 

The workshop gathered 90 participants, including 65 external attendees and 25 speakers and event supporters, making it one of the most actively attended sessions of the week. Each breakout room hosted 10 or more participants, creating space for meaningful exchanges and interactive dialogue. 

The session aimed to explore how locally led and nature-based approaches can respond to climate and environmental risks that threaten peace and stability, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Opening remarks from Ms. Annika Erickson-Pearson, Lead of the Community of Practice on Environment, Climate, Conflict, and Peace (ECCP), set the stage for discussions on the role of communities and local organizations in driving climate resilience. Dr. Adam Day, Head of the Geneva Office at the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research, presented key insights from the Nature-based Solutions for Peace policy report (2024), highlighting evidence of how ecosystem restoration and sustainable resource management can contribute to peacebuilding. Ms. Silja Halle, Programme Manager at UNEP, introduced the EU–UNEP Partnership, emphasizing its work to strengthen locally led initiatives that bridge climate adaptation, environmental management, and conflict prevention. 

Participants then joined two rounds of regional breakout discussions to exchange experiences from Latin America, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. Regional facilitators and local actors presented examples of contextualised climate–security challenges such as water scarcity, land degradation, deforestation, and livelihood insecurity. They also shared community-based responses using nature-based and participatory approaches that link environmental restoration and climate adaptation with social cohesion and conflict prevention. The discussions highlighted how inclusive local governance, ecosystem restoration, and regional cooperation can reduce tensions and build trust among communities affected by climate pressures. 

During the wrap-up, facilitators summarized key takeaways from their regions, emphasizing shared challenges and opportunities to connect local practice with national and regional policy frameworks. Ms. Silja Halle concluded the session by linking the discussions to the broader goals of the EU–UNEP Partnership and announcing the launch of the Knowledge Hub for Locally Led Action on Climate, Peace and Security, a new platform designed to host resources, case studies, and tools from across the partnership. 

Participants expressed positive feedback throughout the breakout discussions and the closing plenary session, appreciating the diversity of regional experiences and the opportunity to hear directly from local actors. The event successfully demonstrated how local leadership, community partnerships, and collaboration across regions are essential for building resilience and promoting peace through nature-based and community-driven solutions.