Innovation, science and technology support efforts for preventing emerging security risks

Emerging risks to international peace and security, such as climate change, require rethinking prevention. To strengthen its role in this regard, it is important for UNSC members to have access to reliable information. Aiming to facilitate this rethinking, Switzerland invited members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to exchange and interact with some scientific and innovative actors in Geneva. After a morning programme dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Geneva conventions (see EDA News), members of the UNSC present in Geneva were welcomed at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) building, a few steps from the Palais des Nations. After opening remarks by the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), they had the opportunity to exchange with various Geneva-based actors experienced in data collection and analysis, tools development, technological innovation and anticipation. Indeed, the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), the WMO and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) presented concrete and visual examples of their work. The presentations were followed by a panel discussion with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and UNEP, allowing a deep-dive into relevant geographic contexts affected by conflict. 

UNOSAT and WMO presented how their work assists UN Missions in contexts such as South Sudan, Somalia, West Africa and the Horn of Africa by analysing weather, water and climate data. Both organizations showed the potential of real-time and detailed forecast data on floods or drought periods for improving preparedness to disasters. Ms. Ko Barrett, Deputy Secretary-General of the WMO, emphasised the importance of collaboration with regional organisations, noting that they work closely with the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) to enhance early warning systems in Eastern Africa. Members of the UNSC were then led to the "Campus Biotech" building for the second part of the interactive program.

With its STRATA tool, UNEP highlighted how environmental, climate, socio-economic and conflict data are brought together to inform prevention strategies and programming in an integrated manner. The IFRC emphasised the importance of applying a comprehensive risk analysis in field programming, noting that communities often face multiple, simultaneous hazards, such as conflict, heatwaves, and flooding, rather than experiencing a single shock in isolation. Detecting and addressing early signs of conflict and climate-related disasters is important for effective and timely action. Members of the UNSC discussed with the panellists how innovative technologies help anticipate such situations – and how early warning systems can support UN missions and ultimately save lives.

With the presentation by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), UNSC members were presented with the trends in science and technology that will have the greatest implications on the future of peace and security. Understanding complex current and future challenges along with the ways to address them is key to preparing an effective response. "Through innovative tools and new technologies, we can both enhance our ability to respond to these challenges and improve our prevention measures to ultimately mitigate the most severe impacts on populations", concluded Swiss State Secretary Alexandre Fasel who moderated the afternoon.