Climate Change: Peer Learning Forum On Peacebuilding, National Adaptation Plan Holds In Abuja
By Juliet Ukanwosu
The 2026 Peer Learning Forum on Peacebuilding and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Processes is scheduled to hold in Nigeria from May 5th to 7th, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.
The three-day event which is co-hosted by the Government of Nigeria, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network and Canada, will have participants from countries including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Liberia, Somalia, and South Sudan.
The Forum will focus on technical dialogue to strengthen efforts to link climate change adaptation with conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding in conflict-affected countries.
Representatives of governments from across Africa will discuss building climate resilience and peace in conflict-affected nations, focusing on strengthening national responses to their unique climate change vulnerabilities and risks, and identifying adaptation measures that reduce conflict and actively promote peace.
The peer learning event, supported by the NAP Global Network, housed at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), is unpacking opportunities and challenges on how countries can align their adaptation priorities and actions with peacebuilding frameworks.
Speaking on the event, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, DCC, said: “As we grapple with the impacts of climate change, linking adaptation and peacebuilding efforts are high on Nigeria’s climate agenda. Despite the challenges, we recognized the urgent need to design conflict-sensitive national adaptation plans that align with our peacebuilding and development objectives.”
“This event represents an opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and exchange to leverage national adaptation plan processes for policy dialogue, trust, and peacebuilding,” Abiola-Awe added.
According to a statement by the organizers, conflict-affected states and communities, which are acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, might find it challenging to prioritize climate change adaptation while grappling with immediate needs, such as ensuring security, restoring public services, or delivering clean water.
The statement added that despite fragmented responses in conflict-affected settings, several countries are striving to integrate conflict and peacebuilding considerations into adaptation priorities through their NAP processes – a key vehicle to put adaptation at the heart of decision-making.
It further informed that studies have shown that inclusive and effective NAP processes offer an opportunity to integrate conflict dynamics and support peacebuilding objectives into adaptation efforts.
Also speaking on the event, Anne Hammil, Associate Vice-President for Resilience at the International Institute for Sustainable Development, said many conflict-affected states are also among the most vulnerable to climate change, pointing out that “the NAP process can help to break this cycle.”
“Through this peer learning event, we are aiming to foster open and honest discussions among participants on leveraging the NAP process for peacebuilding,” Hammil stated.
The NAP Global Network helps accelerate climate change adaptation efforts around the world by supporting partner countries in advancing their NAP processes. It has engaged more than 1,000 adaptation planners from 84 countries to participate in peer learning.
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