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Experts emphasize coordinated efforts for global food security and peace

Published: 06 December 2023
Rapeseed in cracked soil

SLU Global hosted a successful webinar together with the network Global Challenges University Alliance (GCUA 2030) on the theme: Food security and the humanitarian-development-peace-nexus. The webinar gathered a broad audience from several different countries and sectors.

Building food security against the growing global threat of climatic shocks, conflicts, and other crises calls for deeper understanding of these interacting drivers, as well as how best to align humanitarian and development goals for coordinated action.

In this webinar, three enlightening talks were presented by experts from diverse sectors converged to discuss the pressing need for enhanced coordination and integrated approaches to address the complex challenges of food security and the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

Damien Joud - Advocates for anticipatory action and localization in emergency responses

Damien Joud, from the Global Food Security Cluster, emphasized the importance of anticipatory actions in coordinating emergency food security responses. His talk focused on the need to act proactively before crises hit, stressing that early warning systems must integrate food security considerations. Joud highlighted the challenges of aligning humanitarian efforts with development and peace work, emphasizing the necessity for improved coordination through robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes.

Caroline Delgado - Explores intersections of food security, conflict, and climate change

Caroline Delgado, from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), delved into the intricate connections between food security, violent conflicts, and climate change. She argued that these challenges are interwoven and demand integrated measures. Delgado pointed out that, currently, these issues are often treated separately, but she proposed a holistic approach, highlighting positive interventions where improved food security can contribute to peace and sustainable climate solutions. Delgado stressed the need for a systems approach, an integrative approach, and partnerships to address these complex issues.

Ruth Mendum - Highlights the importance of reflection in nexus research

Ruth Mendum, Global Challenges University Alliance, shed light on the barriers between the humanitarian, development, and research sectors. In her talk, she emphasized the need to identify and mitigate these barriers. The humanitarian sector, with its short time frame and immediate response, was contrasted with the development sector's long-term focus on capacity building and infrastructure development. Mendum stressed the importance of reflection in research on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, advocating for collaboration between the sectors to optimize resource use and outputs.

As the webinar unfolds, these insights pave the way for a more integrated and comprehensive approach to global challenges, fostering a collective commitment to building a more secure and sustainable future for all.

 

Did you miss the webinar? The recording is available here. 

Facts:

Climate conversations
The ongoing climate change is a complex societal challenge that requires interdisciplinary research. In 2021, SLU’s Future Platforms and SLU Globaltherefore started a series of climate conversation webinars with the background of the IPCC reports, with the aim to increase the scientific conversation about climate change across disciplines at SLU.

GCUA 2030
Global Challenges University Alliance, GCUA 2030, is a network of university partners from across the globe with a common vision of contributing to sustainable, global development. GCUA 2030 offers a global learning forum for PhD students and young researchers providing a range of learning and networking activities.