Climate Action for Conflict Prevention and Peace: Lessons & Opportunities from Asia and the Pacific

The interplay between climate action and peacebuilding is increasingly recognized as a vital frontier in tackling global challenges. Climate action, while essential for addressing the impacts of climate change, can inadvertently heighten tensions or trigger new conflicts if poorly designed. On the other hand, it holds immense potential to foster sustainable peace when rooted in conflict-sensitive, equitable approaches. Similarly, climate finance can either build resilience and stability or deepen societal divides if mismanaged.

In the Asia-Pacific—a region marked by climate vulnerability, environmental degradation, and socio-political tensions—this nexus remains underexplored. Yet, communities there are already taking action to build resilience at the intersection of climate and conflict. Drawing on lessons from this region, including case studies from Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea, this panel explores practical strategies for linking climate action to conflict prevention and sustainable peace to turn climate action into peace in action. While using the Asia- Pacific region as a starting point, this panel aims at informing a broader dialogue on how climate action and finance can be leveraged to prevent conflict, promote resilience, and advance sustainable peace, offering lessons for global strategies.