Dr. Rajendra Pachauri highlighted the need to manage security risks posed by climate change. Emphasising the importance of conflict prevention in addressing the security impacts of climate change, Minister Westerwelle drew attention to the efforts of the German Federal Foreign Office in addressing climate change as a “non-traditional security threat”, stressing that climate diplomacy should strongly support resource efficiency, energy transformation and technology cooperation. He also advocated an enhanced role for the UN, endorsing the proposal made by some Small Island States and the UK for the UN Secretary-General to appoint a Climate and Security Special Envoy.

Minister El Othmani highlighted multilateralism, robust global governance of sustainable development and technology transfer as ways forward in facing the challenges posed by potential climate-induced migration, water conflicts and diminished agricultural yields.

Please find the full speech by Minister Westerwelle here.