7. 10. 2024 | POTC, PR
We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the »Law, Policy and Science in Environmental Peacebuilding Training« co-organised with the Geneva Water Hub and delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia. The event, held from September 30 to October 4 at Jable Castle, gathered diverse professionals from various peace-related fields to explore the vital intersection between the environment and peacebuilding.
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Throughout the training, participants engaged in dynamic discussions and gained practical insights into the role of environmental factors in preventing conflicts and promoting sustainable peace. The program focused on key topics, including environmental governance, natural resource management in conflict-affected areas, and the importance of integrating environmental considerations into peace processes.
The training also aligned with Slovenia’s priorities in the United Nations Security Council, where the country emphasises the importance of environmental issues in global peace and security efforts. By building capacity in environmental peacebuilding, this initiative strengthens the ability of stakeholders to navigate the complexities of environmental challenges in fragile contexts, contributing to long-term peace.
We would like to thank all the participants and partners for making this training a success and above all the excellent speakers: Dr. Mara Tignino of the Geneva Water Hub, Ambassador at Large for Water Diplomacy Tanja Miškova, Faculty of Law Professor and Member of the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee Vasilka Sancin, Director of International Programs at the Environmental Law Institute Carl Bruch, Senior Policy Adviser at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Stephen Robinson, Conflict Sensitivity Lead at the PeaceNexus Foundation Heloise Heyer, Former President of the Republic of Slovenia and Chair of the Global High Level Panel on Water and Peace Professor Danilo Türk, and Dr Caroline Pellaton and Dr Tadesse Kebebew of the Geneva Water Hub. Their contributions were instrumental in fostering an enriching learning environment and advancing the agenda of environmental peacebuilding.
We are confident that this training will help mainstream environmental issues in the peacebuilding arena, and we look forward to future collaboration with our partners to continue advancing this important work.
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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.
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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.
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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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16. 2. 2023 | Bled Strategic Forum, POTC, PR
Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC) is organising its newest pilot training course titled »Climate Change, Peace and Security«, which will take place back-to-back with the 12th Africa Day International Conference between 24-26 of April in Slovenia.
Climate change is a security issue and a global threat multiplier. While climate change does not directly cause violent conflict, its impacts can exacerbate its drivers. Climate change can undermine livelihoods, increase mass migration, and weaken the governance and stability of states, particularly conflict-affected fragile states and territories. The European Union (EU), NATO and the UN have actively been calling for peace operations to assess climate risks and establish management strategies that incorporate these risks. With this in mind, POTC developed a comprehensive training programme that covers different aspects of the environmental peacebuilding, climate and security nexus at an introductory level. After its successful completion, the participants will be able to understand and analyse climate-related security risks and be better prepared to contribute to crisis prevention and sustaining peace.
The enrollment procedure is now open, so we encourage everyone interested to apply here by the 24th of March, 2023.
Due to the visa obtainment process, participants from African countries should apply by February 26th, 2023.
Additional information:
- The training is free of charge.
- Organisers do not cover travel and accommodation costs. However, we will provide support and recommendations.
- The working language is English.
- The organisers will cover coffee/tea breaks and lunch.
- Participants will be notified about the selection no later than March 31st, 2023.
- Location of the training: Jable Castle, Grajska Cesta 1, Mengeš, Slovenia.
The draft agenda of the training course can be viewed here.
Contact [email protected] for any additional questions you might have.
For more information about the 12th Africa Day International Conference, please view the following link: 12th Africa Days International Conference
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