During their visit to Geneva on 26 August, members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) met with different Geneva-based organizations and actors. They exchanged on ways to enhance the prevention of emerging security risks through new technologies and scientific anticipation. Provided with different examples of geographic contexts, the participating members of the UNSC learned about tools and policy practices that could help support the organ’s mandate to maintain international peace and security.
Reliable information for effective prevention
Emerging risks to international peace and security, such as climate change, require rethinking prevention. To strengthen its role in this regard, it is important for UNSC members to have access to reliable information. Aiming to facilitate this rethinking, Switzerland invited members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to exchange and interact with some scientific and innovative actors in Geneva. After a morning programme dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Geneva conventions (see related News), members of the UNSC present in Geneva were welcomed at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) building, a few steps from the Palais des Nations. After opening remarks by the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), they had the opportunity to exchange with various Geneva-based actors experienced in data collection and analysis, tools development, technological innovation and anticipation. Indeed, the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), the WMO and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) presented concrete and visual examples of their work. The presentations were followed by a panel discussion with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and UNEP, allowing a deep-dive into relevant geographic contexts affected by conflict.
Collecting and analysing data to strengthen human security
UNOSAT and WMO presented how their work assists UN Missions in contexts such as South Sudan, Somalia, West Africa and the Horn of Africa by analysing weather, water and climate data. Both organizations showed the potential of real-time and detailed forecast data on floods or drought periods for improving preparedness to disasters. Ms. Ko Barrett, Deputy Secretary-General of the WMO, emphasised the importance of collaboration with regional organisations, noting that they work closely with the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) to enhance early warning systems in Eastern Africa. Members of the UNSC were then led to the "Campus Biotech" building for the second part of the interactive program.
With its STRATA tool, UNEP highlighted how environmental, climate, socio-economic and conflict data are brought together to inform prevention strategies and programming in an integrated manner. The IFRC emphasised the importance of applying a comprehensive risk analysis in field programming, noting that communities often face multiple, simultaneous hazards, such as conflict, heatwaves, and flooding, rather than experiencing a single shock in isolation. Detecting and addressing early signs of conflict and climate-related disasters is important for effective and timely action. Members of the UNSC discussed with the panellists how innovative technologies help anticipate such situations – and how early warning systems can support UN missions and ultimately save lives.
