Ireland is committed, in its development policy and in its international climate action, to reaching the furthest behind first. This includes those in situations of fragility, conflict, or severe humanitarian needs. At COP28, Ireland will pledge €5m to the new Climate Account of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and €2m in climate financing for IFRC’s Global Climate Resilience Programme and Platform.

Support for Loss and Damage is a key priority for Ireland as it relates to putting the furthest behind first and responding to severe climate impacts, and Ireland was active in negotiations on the Transitional Committee. Ireland will pledge a €25 million contribution to the new Loss and Damage Fund as soon as it is established.

Ireland is an active member of the Climate for Peace Initiative which promotes sharing of information of concrete Climate, Peace, and Security projects on the ground. We also continue to support International Alert to implement a project in parts of Nigeria and Kenya called “Powering Peace through Climate Action”, an initiative aimed at using climate challenges as an entry point to peacebuilding at the local level.

In 2024, Ireland will also renew its partnership with the UN Staff System College, which we support to provide training to UN personnel in order to enhance understanding of climate, peace and security considerations.

Ireland continues to support the UN Climate Security Mechanism which was designed to enhance coordination and break down silos in the context of addressing climate change in situations of fragility and conflict. Ireland is active on the Joint Steering Committee, and calls for others to join and support the work of the UN CSM. Through the CSM, Ireland provides funding for a Climate Security Advisor for the UN Mission in South Sudan and will provide further funding in 2024.