Representatives from several African nations are set to assemble in Nigeria’s capital between May 5 and 7, 2026, for a strategic forum focused on integrating climate change adaptation with peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions.
The meeting, convened by the National Adaptation Plan Global Network in partnership with the Governments of Nigeria and Canada, will bring together participants from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Liberia, Somalia, and South Sudan.
At the heart of the three-day engagement is the need to strengthen how countries respond to climate risks in fragile environments by aligning adaptation policies with conflict-sensitive strategies that support peace and long-term development. Organisers say the dialogue will serve as a platform for peer learning, enabling countries to share experiences and develop practical approaches to managing climate threats while reducing tensions and instability.
Director of the Department of Climate Change, Iniobong Abiola-Awe, underscored Nigeria’s commitment to embedding peacebuilding within its climate agenda. She noted that growing climate pressures are placing additional strain on already vulnerable communities, making it imperative to adopt inclusive and conflict-aware adaptation frameworks.
“According to her, the Abuja forum presents a critical opportunity for countries to exchange ideas and explore how national adaptation planning can also promote dialogue, rebuild trust, and support sustainable peace.”
Analysts have consistently pointed out that nations battling insecurity are often among the hardest hit by climate change, yet they face competing priorities such as security concerns, humanitarian crises, and limited access to essential services.
The Abuja dialogue is expected to produce recommendations for integrating peacebuilding into national adaptation planning processes, with an emphasis on leadership, data, financing, institutional arrangements, stakeholder engagement, and skills development.
