The convergence of climate change, environmental degradation and conflict poses a significant threat to peace and stability worldwide, particularly in fragile and conflict affected countries. Young people in these areas are disproportionately affected, yet they are also uniquely positioned to drive transformative solutions.
The report Resilience Rising: Youth Research Informing Global Climate and Conflict Responses sheds light on the experiences of youth in six climate and conflict vulnerable countries – Burkina Faso, Niger, Pakistan, the Philippines, Somalia and Uganda – and provides actionable recommendations to address these challenges.
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About the Report
This report, developed by the Kofi Annan Foundation’s Extremely Together network in partnership with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and supported by the Global Challenges Foundation, explores the intersection of climate change, conflict, and youth resilience. Research teams in Burkina Faso, Niger, Pakistan, the Philippines, Somalia, and Uganda gathered insights through surveys, interviews, and focus groups discussions with over 1,000 participants, emphasizing the perspectives of marginalized and displaced young people.
The report highlights how climate change and environmental degradation exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, such as resource scarcity, governance failures, and recruitment into armed groups. Despite these challenges, young people are leading innovative solutions, including sustainable farming practices in Uganda and disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. However, systemic barriers like ageism, lack of resources, and gender inequities hinder their impact.
Recommendations
We have identified key recommendations for stakeholders, including Governments, State Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Development Partners, and Donors.
- Rethinking Decision-Making and Accountability Mechanisms
- Strengthening Gender-Responsive Adaptation
- Encouraging Sustainable and Peace-Sensitive Finance
- Supporting Communities Through Training and Skills Development
- Delivering Climate- and Peace-Sensitive Emergency Relief
For a complete list of recommendations, refer to pages 28–36 of the full report.
Acknowledgements
The Resilience Rising report is a testament to the collaborative efforts of numerous individuals and organizations. The research was conducted by young leaders from the Kofi Annan Foundation’s Extremely Together network, with country-specific insights provided by local organizations, including Cercle Dev in Niger, Elman Peace in Somalia, HIVE in Pakistan, KRIS for Peace in the Philippines, Suudu Andal in Burkina Faso, and the Uganda Muslim Youth Development Forum (UMYDF).
Special thanks go to Amanda Kutch, who authored the narrative summary, and to the design team at Estudio Relativo for their work on the layout. We extend our gratitude to the Global Challenges Foundation for funding this project, and to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) for their partnership.
Finally, we thank all the young people, community leaders, and stakeholders who participated in surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Their openness and contributions have been invaluable in shaping this document, which aims to amplify their voices and reflect their resilience and commitment to a sustainable, peaceful world.