SESRIC participated in a webinar on “Peace and Sustainability – Why Environment, Food Security and Natural Resources Matter in Peacebuilding”, held virtually on 3 November 2026. The webinar was organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) under its Leadership Training in Peace and Security (LTIPS) webinar training series. It also served as preparation for the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held on 9–20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.
The webinar aimed at fostering knowledge on the interconnections between environmental pressures, food insecurity, natural resource governance, and peacebuilding. It also explored how COP31 can provide momentum for partnership in youth-led engagement. The event featured contributions from international organizations and youth peace ambassadors, alongside discussions on how initiatives led by youth and women can strengthen environmental resilience and social cohesion.
Representing SESRIC, Dr. Momodou Lamin Joof delivered a presentation on the interconnections between conflict, climate change, and food insecurity in OIC countries. He highlighted that conflict and insecurity were the primary drivers of acute food insecurity for some 69 million people in OIC countries as of August 2026, illustrating the close links between peace and food security. He emphasized the importance of protecting productive assets, ensuring humanitarian access, promoting inclusive land and water governance, and securing predictable financing for recovery and adaptation. The presentation also highlighted SESRIC’s contributions in these areas through policy research, capacity-building programmes, and support for national statistical institutions.
SESRIC remains steadfast and committed to strengthening evidence-based policies and cooperation among OIC Member States to advance environmental resilience, food security, and sustainable development in support of peaceful societies.