Abuja is set to take centre stage in a critical global dialogue as policymakers, climate experts and peacebuilding practitioners gather for the 2026 Peer Learning Forum on Peacebuilding and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Processes.

The three-day forum, opening on May 5 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, is co-hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the NAP Global Network. It comes at a time when the intersection between climate change and conflict is becoming increasingly pronounced, particularly across vulnerable regions in Africa.

Nigeria itself reflects these growing challenges. From the shrinking Lake Chad Basin to persistent farmer-herder clashes exacerbated by erratic rainfall patterns, the country remains on the frontline of climate-induced security risks.

The forum is convened amid rising global recognition that climate change is not only an environmental concern but also a “threat multiplier” capable of intensifying existing social and political tensions. In response, National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) have emerged as a key policy instrument under international climate frameworks, helping countries assess vulnerabilities, prioritise interventions and build resilience over time.

However, experts argue that traditional adaptation strategies have often failed to adequately incorporate conflict dynamics, particularly in fragile and violence-affected settings where weak institutions and insecurity complicate implementation.

Beyond formal sessions, the forum is structured to promote peer-to-peer learning, enabling countries to share experiences, innovations and lessons drawn from their respective contexts. Organisers note that while many African nations face similar climate threats, their political and security landscapes differ significantly, making knowledge exchange essential.

By the conclusion of the forum on May 7, stakeholders are expected to outline priority actions and concrete next steps aimed at embedding peacebuilding considerations into national and subnational adaptation processes. (Arise News)

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