CALL FOR APPLICATIONS OPEN: Law, Policy and Science in Environmental Peacebuilding Training: 12-16 October 2026

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS OPEN: Law, Policy and Science in Environmental Peacebuilding Training: 12-16 October 2026

The Geneva Water Hub (GWH) and the Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) would like to invite you to Ljubljana, Slovenia, from October 12 to 16, 2026, for a transformative training activity on “Law, Policy and Science in Environmental Peacebuilding”.

Kliknite tukaj za branje članka v slovenščini.

We are pleased to announce that the 2026 edition of the highly sought-after training programme is returning to Slovenia. This training programme offers an in-depth exploration of how natural resources influence conflict dynamics and peace processes, covering essential legal frameworks, emerging challenges, and strategic solutions.

Background

This 2026 edition builds upon the success of the inaugural training delivered two years ago. The programme continues to align with Slovenia’s priorities within the United Nations, where the country has championed the critical link between environmental stability and global security. By strengthening capacity in environmental peacebuilding, this joint initiative empowers stakeholders to navigate the complexities of environmental challenges in fragile contexts, ultimately contributing to sustainable, long-term peace.

Participant Profile

This training is specifically designed for professionals working in:

  • military and law enforcement,
  • diplomacy and government,
  • NGOs and international organisations,
  • humanitarian and development sectors.

Programme Benefits

Participation in this training programme will provide you with:

  • Theoretical and Legal Foundations: Explore the critical intersection of environmental issues, armed conflict, and peacebuilding efforts through a rigorous academic and legal lens.
  • Interactive Learning: Engage in a dynamic curriculum consisting of expert-led lectures, interactive panel discussions, and collaborative group activities designed to build both substantive knowledge and practical skills.
  • Networking and Professional Certification: Gain exclusive access to the Geneva Water Hub alumni network and receive a professional certificate upon successful completion of the programme.

The training programme has a tuition fee, but full and partial scholarships are available. More details can be found in the brochure and at the following link: Geneva Water Hub

Application Deadline: May 30, 2026. Apply online to secure your spot here.

The training brochure is available here.

For more information, please contact Dimitrij Pahor at: [email protected]

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Tailor-made “Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Training” Successfully Delivered to State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) Personnel

Tailor-made “Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Training” Successfully Delivered to State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) Personnel

• Rzeszów, Poland – May 29, 2025

On Thursday, May 29, POTC successfully completed the tailor-made training “Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management” to Ukrainian State Emergency Service (SESU) personnel.

Kilknite tukaj za branje članka v slovenščini.

The 4-day training commenced with an introduction from Captain (N) Gorazd Bartol, defence attaché from the Embassy of Slovenia in Warsaw. Thereafter, the programme included sessions on climate security and environmental peacebuilding, climate-change-exacerbated disasters and disaster preparedness, also in the context of the Sendai Framework, crisis coordination mechanisms in the EU, monitoring, data collection and mapping, early warning systems and multi-hazard risk assessment methodologies. The training culminated in a table-top exercise with simulative role-playing within the fictitious scenario of the city of Pyropolis. Discussion-based tabletop exercise allowed the participants to apply all the knowledge and skills delivered throughout the training.

The goal of the training was to familiarise participants with an integrated, all-hazards approach to climate-induced disasters and emergencies. The training focused on potential mitigation measures to enhance prevention and preparedness, while also considering local specificities.

POTC would like to thank all of the speakers and colleagues who worked on this one-of-a-kind training and contributed to making it a success. A special thank you goes to Captain (N) Gorazd Bartol for a warm welcome in Poland. We would also like to thank the participants for their cooperation and engagement throughout the whole activity – we hope that the knowledge delivered will serve them well in their future endeavours in Ukraine.

The training activity was developed and organised in cooperation with the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).

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potc logo 2024

Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Training for Ukrainian Personnel – 26–29 May 2025

Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Training for Ukrainian Personnel – 26–29 May 2025

The Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Training will be delivered in cooperation between the Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) and the European Security and Defence College (ESDC). The training will take place in Rzeszów, Poland, from May 26 to 29, 2025.

Kliknite tukaj za branje članka v slovenskem jeziku.

This training is specifically designed for civil protection and disaster management personnel at the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), following a request from Ukraine, which identified the need for a tailor-made programme focused on disaster risk management and disaster risk reduction, particularly in light of emerging and evolving emergencies driven in part by climate change.

The key objective of the training is to familiarise participants with an integrated, all-hazards approach to climate-induced disasters and emergencies. The training will focus on potential mitigation measures to enhance prevention and preparedness, while also considering local specificities. The training will cover the following topics:
• Climate change and security implications,
• Environmental impact of the conflict,
• Disaster preparedness and response within the context of the Sendai Framework,
• Climate change exacerbated disasters and related necessary adaptation of governance for resilience,
• EU crisis coordination mechanisms and the new preparedness Union strategy,
• The role of the European Commission and DG ECHO in Disaster Management; Union Civil Protection Mechanism,
• Monitoring, data collection and mapping,
• Integration of climate change mitigation measures into emergency response plans and policy documents – examples of good practice,
• Discussion-based exercise on the emergency response in Ukraine.

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Slovenia Prioritises Climate Security in Peace Operations

Slovenia Prioritises Climate Security in Peace Operations

Slovenia reaffirmed its commitment to global peace efforts with the successful conclusion of the “Climate Change, Peace and Security” training programme held between May 20 and 22 at Jable Castle.

Kliknite tukaj za branje članka v slovenskem jeziku.

The Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) successfully rolled out the second edition of this climate security training programme aimed to equip personnel involved in peace missions and operations with a deeper understanding of the complex challenges that climate change poses to global peace and security.

The Slovenian centre welcomed participants from 13 countries from all corners of the globe, each differently experiencing the effects of climate change. The participants enhanced their knowledge and gained a comprehensive insight into climate security-related topics such as the 9 planetary boundaries, water security, climate risks and vulnerabilities, the international legal framework on climate change, the UN and EU approach to climate security in peace operations, human migration linked to climate change and the gender perspective of climate security, among others.

At the conclusion of the training, Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon personally awarded certificates to the participants at Jable Castle on May 22nd.

POTC would like to express gratitude to Minister Fajon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Slovenia, the driven participants, and the expert trainers who made the training an overall success. We look forward to the further development of the training content with the feedback gained and lessons learned.

Click the following link to view more photos from the training conclusion: POTC Flickr

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POTC to hold the Second Edition of the Climate Change, Peace, and Security Training in May of 2024 at Jable Castle

POTC to hold the Second Edition of the Climate Change, Peace, and Security Training in May of 2024 at Jable Castle

Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) is set to conduct the second edition of the specialised training programme on the topic of climate security from May 20th to May 22nd, 2024, at Jable Castle in Slovenia. This climate security comprehensive course aims to address the critical intersections between climate change, security, and global peace efforts.

Recognising climate change as a security issue and a significant global threat multiplier, POTC developed an extensive training program in 2023, covering the various impacts of climate change on peace and security worldwide. The 2024 edition will build upon the pilot delivery, incorporating subject matter changes to provide an updated and enhanced learning experience. The training is specifically tailored to meet the needs of allied and partner countries deploying personnel to peacekeeping missions and operations.

Learning objectives for participants include gaining an understanding of the main environmental and climate issues related to global security, recognising climate and environmental elements in conflict and post-conflict situations, exploring the international legal framework regarding climate change, and understanding the role of water infrastructure as a global security issue. The program will also delve into environmental issues affecting host countries of missions, adaptation and mitigation strategies in field missions, and the gender dimensions in climate-related conflicts.

The target audience for this climate security training is comprised of civilian experts, police, and military personnel actively involved or planning to participate in international missions or operations. Country prioritisation will guide the selection process, with priority given to citizens of the largest Troop/Police Contributing Countries (T/PCC) to UN missions and operations from Africa.

Interested individuals can apply for participation until March 24th, 2024, through an online form. POTC will conduct a selection process, and participants will be notified of their selection by April 1st, 2024. The working language of the training is English, therefore fluency in English is required.

Attendance throughout the entire three-day program is mandatory to receive a Certificate of Participation. Participants are expected to arrive no later than Sunday, May 19th, and are encouraged to extend their stay for the Africa Day Conference on May 22nd-23rd.

POTC will help with entry into Slovenia for EU citizens and those with bilateral agreements, while non-EU citizens are responsible for processing their visa requests. Accommodation will be provided free of charge, with local transport, meals, and other refreshments covered by POTC. Financial support also includes reimbursement of travel expenses up to a certain amount.

Registration of Interest Form: JotForm LINK

Information Pack: PDF LINK

For additional information, interested individuals can reach out to: [email protected]

POTC’s commitment to addressing climate-related security risks underscores its dedication to preparing peace operations personnel for the evolving challenges in international peace and security.

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Cover photo: United Nations by Harandane Dicko