Climate Change And Natural Disasters Pose Major Threats To Arab Region, Says League Of Arab States Gen Secy

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, stated that the Arab world faces significant threats from climate change and natural disasters. He emphasised that awareness of environmental migration issues has grown over the past decade, as reflected in the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

During his speech at the Second Regional Review Conference of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration in the Arab region, held at the League's headquarters, Aboul Gheit highlighted Arab efforts in climate initiatives.

Arab Efforts in Climate Initiatives

Aboul Gheit noted that recent sessions of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC were held in Egypt and the UAE. These sessions showcased valued Arab initiatives aimed at addressing climate change. He acknowledged these contributions as crucial steps towards mitigating environmental challenges.

He also mentioned that migration significantly impacts social and economic realities within the Arab region and beyond. The region hosts approximately 41.4 million migrants and refugees while being the origin for around 32.8 million migrants and refugees.

The Secretary-General pointed out that both Arab and global awareness regarding environmental migration has increased notably over recent years. This heightened awareness is evident in international agreements like the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Aboul Gheit stressed that migration to and from the Arab region plays a vital role in shaping its socio-economic landscape. This issue holds special significance today more than ever due to the large number of migrants involved.

The conference underscored how migration patterns influence not just local but also global dynamics. The discussions aimed to address these complex issues through collaborative efforts among various stakeholders.

The event brought together key figures such as Amy Pope from the United Nations Network on Migration and Rola Dashti from ESCWA. Their presence highlighted the importance of coordinated international efforts to tackle migration challenges effectively.

The focus on environmental migration reflects a broader understanding of how climate change exacerbates displacement issues. This understanding is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to support affected populations.

The League of Arab States continues to advocate for stronger regional cooperation in addressing both climate change impacts and migration-related challenges. Such cooperation is essential for creating sustainable solutions that benefit all parties involved.

Aboul Gheit's remarks underscore a commitment to addressing these pressing issues through collective action and informed policymaking. The ongoing dialogue aims to foster resilience against environmental threats while ensuring safe migration practices.

The conference was attended by Amy Pope, Coordinator of the United Nations Network on Migration and Director-General of the International Organisation for Migration, and Rola Dashti, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCWA.