Policy Debate on Climate Change and Internal Human Mobility in the MENA Region

​On September 19, IFI held a policy discussion on the intersection of climate change and internal human mobility within the MENA region, led by Manale Abou Dagher and Samir Nassar from the Institute’s Climate Change and Environment Program. The main objective was to present the “Policy Brief on Climate Change and Internal Human Mobility” chapter (authored by Abou Dagher and Nassar) as part of the “Climate-Induced Internal Displacement in MENA Countries” joint policy study by IFI, EuroMeSCo, IEMed and Connecting the Dots Project and coordinated by Abou Dagher. While presenting the study’s main findings and policy recommendations, the policy debate aimed to develop and disseminate policy recommendations that would help national policymakers in the MENA region and EU make informed decisions within the climate change and human mobility context. These guidelines were developed with the overarching goal of addressing the intricate and multifaceted problems brought on by climate change and its impacts on human mobility.

Stakeholder interaction was one of the major topics that emerged from the discussion. Abou Dagher noted that the involvement of numerous stakeholders is crucial to the MENA region's position on climate change and its repercussions. The necessity of investing in sustainable and durable infrastructure was also highlighted. In order to prioritize sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change, the conventional approach to infrastructure building has to be revisited. Meanwhile, Nassar explained the means of using renewable energy sources, implementing eco-friendly construction techniques, and building infrastructure that can endure the evolving challenges brought on by climate change. Comprehensive disaster recovery operations need to be equitable and inclusive, ensuring that all impacted communities, particularly vulnerable and marginalized ones, get the help and resources they need.
 
The discussion ended with an interactive panel session, whereby participants highlighted the importance of moving from recommendations and action planning to actual implementation, as panelist explained how several reports and projects stop at the level of producing recommendations (and/or plans) without taking into consideration needed resources for their implementation. Speakers and participants underscored the commitment to ongoing dialogue and action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and internal human mobility within the MENA region.