Mr. President,

Members of the Security Council,

I am pleased to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
 
Addressing climate-related security risks is key to sustaining peace. Allow us to suggest four key actions for member states, the Security Council and the UN:

First, in countries affected by the dual burden of climate change and conflict, climate-related security risks must be part of national mitigation and adaptation policies and plans. Climate action should be conflict sensitive; and conflict interventions should be climate sensitive. This includes considering climate risks in conflict prevention and peacebuilding activities, and ensuring that post-conflict economic recovery is not based on unsustainable use and management of natural resources.
 
Second, the Security Council should continue to mandate and resource UN peace operations to consider climate-related security risks where relevant. This includes strengthened cooperation with civil society, weather organizations and regional and sub-regional actors on climate-sensitive analysis and early warning. We should build on the good work of the UN Climate Security Mechanism in this regard. We also hope to see closer engagement between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission.
 
Third, a regular report by the Secretary-General on climate-related security risks could improve our ability to take action on climate-related security risks. There are also linkages with human rights, violent extremism, gender equality, displacement and irregular migration.

Finally, in support of the Women Peace and Security-framework, we must advance women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in defining and addressing climate-related risks. Women and girls play key roles in sustainable solutions in climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, health and water. And they are often disproportionately affected by climate change and insecurity. Applying a gender-transformative approach to climate and security interventions is crucial. 

In closing, climate change is the defining challenge of our time. Fragile contexts and vulnerable communities suffer the biggest impact, but addressing the problem is a collective responsibility. It requires cooperation, renewed multilateralism and solidarity.

Thank you.