Event
9:00 A.M. ET (New York, DC) / 3:00 P.M. CET (Paris, Brussels) / 4:00 P.M. EAT (Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kampala)
Topic
Development
Keywords
International Cooperation
Climate Migration

Migration, Disasters, and Climate Change in Eastern Africa

9:00 A.M. ET (New York, DC) / 3:00 P.M. CET (Paris, Brussels) / 4:00 P.M. EAT (Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kampala)

Climate experts and regional authorities outlined the challenges related to climate change and human mobility that local communities and national governments are confronting in Eastern Africa, and offered key recommendations for future policies and programs.

Facing converging challenges related to climate change, natural disasters, and migration, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region in Eastern Africa was in a particularly vulnerable position in 2023. With countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda regularly impacted by drought, flooding, or other natural disasters, the decision to migrate is frequently driven by environmental factors, alongside economic and social ones. As climate-related human mobility increases, the pressing situation in the IGAD region and responses can offer broader lessons for other parts of the world.

During this MPI webinar, climate experts and regional authorities outlined the challenges related to climate change and human mobility that local communities, national governments, and the IGAD region are confronting. The speakers discussed priorities within the region to address climate-related displacement, the engagement of various stakeholders, efforts to facilitate safe and orderly migration, and potential solutions. They also offered key recommendations for future policies and programs in the region and beyond. The webinar is linked to the publication of an external evaluation led by MPI of a landmark program on migration, disasters, and climate change in the IGAD region.

Speakers:

Ahmed Amdihun, Program Coordinator, IGAD Disaster Risk Management Program, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre-ICPAC (IGAD Climate Prediction & Applications Center)

Lucy Daxbacher, Head of Mission to the Republic of Uganda, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

Jyri Jäntti, Research and Partnerships Officer, Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (MECC), East and Horn of Africa Regional Office, International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Bob Natifu, Assistant Commissioner for Climate Change, Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda

Moderator:

Lawrence Huang, Associate Policy Analyst, International Program, MPI

About the Global Program

The Global Program bridges policy advice, research, and candid dialogue to design effective migration policies, drawing on global evidence and anticipating the forces reshaping how people move.

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    Topic
    Development
    Keywords
    International Cooperation Climate Migration
    Region
    Africa (Sub-Saharan)
    Country
    Uganda
    Speakers

    Ahmed Amdihun

    Program Coordinator, IGAD Disaster Risk Management Program,IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre-ICPAC (IGAD Climate Prediction & Applications Center)

    Lucy Daxbacher

    Head of Mission to the Republic of Uganda,Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

    Jyri Jäntti

    Research and Partnerships Officer, Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (MECC),East and Horn of Africa Regional Office, International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Bob Natifu

    Assistant Commissioner for Climate Change,,Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda

    Moderator

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