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Conference

Climate Change and Migration

Point of No Return?!

Climate Change and Migration

December 9, 2020

online / Zoom

Climate change is altering living conditions in many parts of the world and forcing more and more people to leave their homes. Although the African continent produces less than 10% of global emissions, it is among the regions most affected by the consequences.

We discussed this with decision-makers from Africa and Europe: How can migration be managed in a humane way? What measures can help people stay in their home regions? And how can the link between climate and migration be incorporated into international cooperation?

Climate Change and Migration: Point of No Return?!

The results of our conference summarized

Climate change induced migration is a politically sensitive subject. But it's a reality in Africa.
Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu
Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental Authority on Development
If you're going to have an influx of people, you need to plan for them.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr
Mayor, Freetown
Responsibility on climate change needs to be divided between all of us. We need an alliance of multilateralism.
H.E. Dr. Christoph Heusgen
Permanent Representative for Germany, United Nations
On average we can expect 2.8 million people to be displaced by riverine floods in Africa in any given year in the future.
Alexandra Bilak
Director, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre

Sessions

Session 1: Facts and Figures
How much will climate change affect life in Africa – and how many people will be forced to leave their homes? Experts and high-ranking representatives of the African and the European Union provided insights into current developments, expectations, and possible solutions.
Session 2: Hotspot Africa
Cities are hotspots for climate-related migration. The discussions focused on how they can become more resilient to climate change and adapt to growing urbanization - and which projects Germany is already supporting.
Session 3: Cooperation
What steps are necessary to address climate and migration in international cooperation? Government representatives and experts presented practical measures and perspectives for enhanced cooperation with Africa.
Artistic Summary of the results of the Global Perspectives Conference "Climate Change and Migration"

Visual Recording - Climate Change and Migration: Point of No Return?!

Rights: Artese Studios for Global Perspectives, 2020

Program

Welcome
Christine Mhundwa
Moderation, Deutsche Welle
Session 1: Facts and Figures
Climate Change Induced Migration in Africa
H.E. Jutta Urpilainen
Commissioner for International Partnerships, European Union
H.E. Amira Elfadil Mohammed Elfadil
Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union
Alexandra Bilak
Director, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre
Nathalie Delapalme
CEO, Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu
Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental Authority on Development
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
Co-Chair, International Indigenous Forum on Climate Change
Session 2: Hotspot Africa
How to Manage Problems of Climate Change Induced Migration on the Continent?
Michelle Müntefering
Minister of State, Federal Foreign Office
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr
Mayor, Freetown
Dina Ionesco
Head of Migration, Environment and Climate Change, International Organization for Migration
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella
MP, Pan-African Parliament
Session 3: Cooperation
Global Responsibility and the Cooperation with Africa
H.E. Dr. Amina C. Mohamed
Cabinet Secretary for Sport, Heritage and Culture, Kenya
Kamal Amakrane
Advisor, United Nations
H.E. Dr. Christoph Heusgen
Permanent Representative for Germany, United Nations
Dr. Kumi Naidoo
Founder, Africans Rising
Dr. Kanta Kumari Rigaud
Coordinator for Climate Change in Africa, World Bank Group
Closing Remarks
Claudia Roth
Vice President, German Federal Parliament

Conference

In this large-scale format, we offer a platform for experiences and expertise. In close cooperation with our partner organizations, we gather many people around one shared topic.

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Publications
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Final Report of the Commission "A Changing World - Germany and the Global South"

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