Despite contributing the least to the problem, developing countries are expected to bear the brunt of the impact of climate change. Since 1960, climate change has increased economic inequality between developed and developing nations by 25%, according to a Stanford University study. Due to geography and low income, people living in the least developed countries face a devastating combination of adverse impacts, making adaptation to climate change much more difficult. 

The 27th Conference of the Parties (COP) this year is a defining moment in the fight against climate change. SPARK joins its long-standing partner, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) during an event on the side-lines of this year’s COP27, taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt under the Egyptian Presidency. 

The panel discussion, ‘Integrating Climate Change Adaptation in Conflict Affected Contexts: The Resilience Impact of Creating Sustainable Jobs for the Displaced and Most Vulnerable Groups‘, takes place on Tuesday 8th November. 

Opening statements will be heard by His Excellency, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group and His Excellency, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The speakers will be followed by a panel discussion between Mr. Amer Bukvić, Acting Director General, Global Practice and Partnerships at the Islamic Development Bank, Mr. Yannick du Pont, CEO of SPARK and Mr. Ali Mohamed, Senior Advisor to the Centre of Excellence for Climate Adaptation and Environmental Protection, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with moderation from Dr. Syed Husain Quadri, Director of the Resilience and Climate Action Department at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

The event will explore:

• How countries, international development partners and multilateral development banks (MDBs) can approach climate change adaptation to reduce impacts on climate sensitive drivers of conflict;
• How to improve the localisation agenda to be resilient for climate change adaptation in fragile and conflict-affected contexts;
• How to support the call to enable finance for climate change adaptation in conflict settings;
• How to support youth in fragile economic and livelihood contexts by creating sustainable new jobs that are directly involved in the mitigation of the effects of climate change;
• Hear lessons learned from entrepreneurs and young innovators who are on the frontline of this important effort.  

Addressing the climate crisis requires bold and rapid collective action. As developing countries – and particularly those affected by conflict – are most vulnerable to climate change, SPARK and the IsDB Group hope this event during COP27 will provide solutions for international organisations and MDBs to operationalise the integration of climate change adaptation in fragile and conflict settings.

Attend the panel
This panel will be held within the dedicated IsDB Group pavilion during COP27 in the Tonino Lamborghini International Convention Center, which is located in Area C, Blue Zone, P59. English and Arabic translation will be available for attendees. The event will also be live streamed on the official YouTube channels of IsDB Group and SPARK.