30. 5. 2025 | Peace and security, POTC, PR
• 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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24. 4. 2025 | Peace and security, POTC, PR
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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24. 5. 2024 | POTC, PR
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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2. 2. 2024 | Peace and security, POTC, PR
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
4. 5. 2023 | Bled Strategic Forum, POTC, PR
Last week, from the 24th to the 26 of April, Jable Castle welcomed 33 participants from 25 countries in what was the first training of its kind on the topic of the emerging concept of “climate security”. 20+ participants were previously part of the 12th International Africa Day Conference in a joint venture between the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and POTC/Centre for European Perspective.
Kliknite tukaj za branje članka v slovenskem jeziku.
According to the definition of the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union »climate security« refers to the potential impacts of climate change on peace and security across the globe, particularly for the poorest and most vulnerable populations. It encompasses various risk management strategies such as mitigation, adaptation, resilience building, food and nutrition security, disaster risk reduction, conflict prevention and sustainable development. It also includes the integration of a security perspective within these processes and inclusive participation in order to alleviate the destabilising impacts of climate change on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
With this in mind, and the known future impact of climate change on peace operations themselves, POTC set out to develop one of the first trainings of this kind in Europe. This is in order to better prepare decision-makers, experts, and everyone else involved with peace operations for the impending difficulties that peace operations, governments, and international organisations will have to face in the coming decades.
The training was introductory and covered all the basics associated with climate change and peace operations with topics ranging from the 9 Planetary Boundaries, Climate Change, the Environment and Security, the International Legal Framework regarding Climate Change, Water Security as an Integral Part of Climate Security, Climate Mainstreaming in the EU CSDP Context, Energy Security, CC and Human Rights, Climate Justice and Collective vs Individual Action on Climate Change. This was made possible with the help of 9 Slovenian and foreign expert contributors who made sure that the participants received all the relevant knowledge that will help them make the right decisions when it comes to climate security. The training is intended to be developed even further and organised once again in 2024.
The POTC Team would like to thank everyone that attended the training, the expert contributors and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs with special thanks to State Secretary Samuel Žbogar for presenting the participants with Course Certificates.
Below you can view some of the training highlights:
Flickr Album (Photo: Marko Arandjelović)
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