Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Climate Security Mechanism?
The Climate Security Mechanism (CSM) is a joint initiative by the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO). It aims to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations (UN) and its partners to systematically analyze and address the linkages between climate change, peace, and security (CPS). Find out more on the CSM.
2. Why was the CSM established?
Responding to growing calls for action by affected communities, Member States, regional organizations, experts and policymakers around the world, the CSM was established in 2018. It draws on the complementary resources of DPPA, UNDP, UNEP, and DPO.
3. What are the key objectives of the CSM?
The CSM seeks to advance peace-positive climate action, catalyze climate-informed approaches to peace and security, and forge partnerships at all levels to exchange information and build the evidence base. Since 2018, the CSM has streamlined its work into four priority areas of work. Find out more about climate security in this explainer.
4. What regions does the CSM focus on?
The CSM undertakes global workstreams – such as advocacy, knowledge cogeneration and policy development – and coordinates initiatives in climate-vulnerable regions around the world. The CSM jointly with partners has developed catalytic initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia and the Pacific.
5. How does the CSM work with UN, regional and other partners?
The CSM provides technical advice and tailored support to UN field missions, country teams, regional organizations and other partners to bolster the analysis, reduction and management of climate-related peace and security risks, including through the deployment of climate, peace and security experts and trainings.
6. How does the CSM promote knowledge sharing and capacity building?
Beyond its direct work with partners at regional and local level, the CSM seeks to build an enabling environment and catalyze action by partners at all levels by investing in knowledge management and capacity building and by leveraging the convening power of its member entities. The CSM supports knowledge co-generation and capacity building including through its training offer for UN field staff as well as policymakers and practitioners, by organizing workshops, and by developing tools for climate-related peace and security risk analysis. It also works with research partners to build an evidence base for climate, peace and security approaches.
7. Who are the key partners of the CSM?
The CSM collaborates with a range of partners, including UN Special Political Missions and Peacekeeping Operations, UN Country Teams and Resident Coordinators, regional and sub-regional organizations, Member States, as well as civil society, research, academia and other partners.
8. How is the CSM funded?
The CSM Joint Programme is funded by voluntary contributions through the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO) which provides the CSM with a flexible and efficient pooled funding modality to support its work around the world. More details, including the status of funding contributions through MPTFO to date, can be found on the MPTFO Partners Gateway.