Khartoum, Berlin and New York City
In 2024, Elsaim was nominated as a Fellow of the Robert Bosch Academy. The aim is to bring the scholarship holders to Germany and into dialogue with people from politics, science and society. “It’s really great because on the one hand you get institutional support, but you can also implement your own projects. “The community of scholarship holders is also great,” says Elsaim. These include high-ranking politicians such as former ministers and renowned scientists. In addition, Berlin is a good location for the stay, says Elsaim. “Germany has a good profile when it comes to climate change, peace and security, for example with its own departments in the Foreign Office and the International Climate Protection Initiative.”
During her time in Germany, she spoke on a panel of the Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) at the Munich Security Conference about water conflicts. She recently held a discussion event together with the Foreign Office, Italian ministries, the United Nations Development Program, the think tank Adelphi and the Robert Bosch Academy Organized on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York: “From Youth to Leaders: Advancing Climate Resilience and Global Peace”. Her scholarship in Berlin ends in November 2024. “I was so happy to be here. I felt like I had a family after my family was scattered all over the world because of the war. I really felt like I belonged here.” What happens next remains to be seen. What is certain is that she wants to continue to work for climate protection, peace and security.
Activists in Sudan for Climate, Peace, and Security
Sudan, a country located in northeastern Africa, has faced decades of conflict, political instability, and humanitarian crises. Amid these challenges, there has been a growing movement of activists dedicated to addressing not only the issues of peace and security but also the urgent challenges of climate change. These activists play a crucial role in advocating for sustainable development, environmental justice, and the need for a peaceful and secure future for all Sudanese people.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Sudan
Sudan is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the impacts of climate change. The country faces frequent droughts, desertification, erratic rainfall patterns, and water scarcity, all of which exacerbate existing challenges such as food insecurity, displacement, and economic hardship. Climate change has particularly affected Sudan’s agriculture, which is the backbone of the economy, impacting livelihoods, especially in rural areas where farming and pastoralism are the primary sources of income.
The Role of Activists in Sudan
Activists in Sudan, both local and international, have increasingly focused on the interconnectedness of climate, peace, and security. They highlight how environmental degradation can exacerbate existing conflicts, particularly in resource-scarce areas, and how climate change can further strain the social and political fabric of the country.
Here are some key areas where Sudanese activists are working for change:
1. Environmental Justice and Climate Advocacy
One of the main focuses of Sudanese climate activists is raising awareness about the severe environmental challenges that the country faces. Many activists and organizations are working to:
- Raise awareness about the effects of climate change on Sudan’s environment and communities.
- Promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as water conservation techniques and drought-resistant crops, to help rural communities adapt to changing conditions.
- Advocate for environmental policies that support climate resilience and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
- Raise funds and international support to address environmental degradation and support climate adaptation strategies.
Organizations such as Sudanese Environment Conservation Society (SECS) and Green Sudan are instrumental in promoting environmental awareness and implementing green initiatives in Sudan.
2. Climate and Conflict Nexus
Activists in Sudan have also recognized that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a security concern. Many regions of Sudan, especially in the Darfur region and other border areas, have seen violent conflicts over scarce resources such as water and land. These conflicts have been compounded by climate-related disasters, such as droughts and floods, which have further stressed local populations.
- Climate and peacebuilding activists in Sudan emphasize the need for integrated strategies that address both climate change and peacebuilding. These strategies involve conflict resolution, promoting dialogue between communities, and creating initiatives that reduce resource-based conflict.
- Activists like Mohamed Zain and Amira Osman work within their communities to foster peace and security by addressing the root causes of environmental degradation that lead to conflict, including land disputes and water shortages.
3. Advocacy for Human Rights and Gender Equality
The effects of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, especially women and children. In Sudan, activists are also working to ensure that women have a voice in climate and peacebuilding processes. Women, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, are often at the forefront of climate adaptation efforts, yet their contributions are frequently overlooked.
- Activists like Fatima Abdelmoula are pushing for gender-sensitive policies that ensure women are involved in decision-making on climate-related issues. These activists work to empower women to become leaders in environmental sustainability projects, thereby improving their communities’ resilience to climate shocks.
- The work of UN Women in Sudan also supports these initiatives, promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding, environmental conservation, and sustainable development efforts.
4. Collaborating with International Organizations
Many Sudanese climate and peace activists work in partnership with international organizations to draw attention to the crises facing Sudan and secure funding and expertise for climate adaptation and peace initiatives. The involvement of international groups, such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has been essential in providing technical and financial support for climate projects in Sudan.
- The Sudanese Climate Change Initiative has partnered with global institutions to develop a national climate action plan and advocate for policies that prioritize climate resilience and sustainable resource management.
- Sudanese activists are also pushing for international climate justice, urging the global community to take responsibility for their contributions to the environmental crises in Sudan, particularly in the context of international negotiations on climate finance.
5. Youth Engagement in Climate and Peace Activism
A new generation of Sudanese activists is also emerging, particularly among young people who are increasingly aware of the intertwined issues of climate, security, and peace. These young activists, many of whom are involved in social media and grassroots movements, are advocating for climate action and peaceful solutions to environmental conflicts.
Youth-led organizations like Sudanese Youth for Peace and Youth Climate Sudan are raising awareness about the impact of climate change on young people’s futures. They are also promoting youth participation in political processes, hoping to shift the focus of Sudanese policies towards sustainability and peacebuilding.
Challenges Facing Sudanese Activists
Despite the tireless work of activists in Sudan, they face significant challenges. These include:
- Political instability: The ongoing political instability in Sudan, including conflict and military coups, has made it difficult for activists to organize effectively and implement long-term change.
- Limited resources: Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world, and climate change mitigation and peacebuilding efforts often lack adequate funding and resources.
- Lack of infrastructure: Limited access to technology, education, and infrastructure in rural areas hampers the ability of many communities to adapt to climate change.
- Security risks: Activists in conflict zones, particularly in Darfur, face risks of violence and repression when attempting to address the root causes of conflict or advocate for environmental justice.
Conclusion
Activists in Sudan are making a remarkable effort to address the complex intersections of climate, peace, and security. Their work is crucial in a country that faces both environmental degradation and the legacy of conflict. By advocating for sustainable practices, engaging youth, and fostering peace, Sudanese activists are pushing for a future where both the environment and the people are protected.
However, they still face numerous challenges, including political instability, inadequate resources, and a lack of infrastructure. The international community’s support for these activists, through partnerships and funding, is essential in ensuring the success of Sudan’s climate and peace initiatives.
