As of next week Clingendael Academy will host a group of 13 diplomats, who all represent different countries in Southern Africa. These include: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Planetary Security

To improve regional cooperation, the participants will be challenged to think outside of the regular silos of policy development and cooperation by looking at the linkages between security, economy, and sustainability.

The upcoming programme will include Clingendael’s signature skills training and draws upon the in-house expertise of Clingendael’s new Planetary Security Initiative, which deals specifically with climate-security risks.

Security, economy, and sustainability challenges in Southern Africa

In Southern Africa environmental degradation currently threatens the livelihoods of many, hampers economic development, and may even affect regional peace and stability. Many countries in Southern Africa are affected by droughts caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

Increasing droughts in Southern Africa caused by the El Niño phenomenon. Source: SADC

Conflicts over scarce resources may occur in the (near) future. These problems cannot be solved by each country individually, making regional cooperation all the more crucial. 

Training to strengthen regional cooperation for Planetary Security

Not only will the participants develop their diplomatic skills; each week they will focus on a specific topic as part of the broader theme of regional cooperation. These topics are: peace and stability, economy and finance, and sustainable development.

The upcoming course for diplomats from Southern Africa will run from 23 August until 9 September and will culminate with sessions on Planetary Security: a topic in which security, economic and environmental risks all come together. 

More information on diplomatic training or Planetary Security?

If you would like to know more about Clingendael’s tailor made diplomatic programmes or this specific course for Southern Africa, be sure to contact Hans Wurzer or Anneke Rooth, Training and Research Fellows, Clingendael Academy.