Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks

Session title: Climate Security - How sets out key steps for managing climate risks to protect people

Organizer(s): Savonia University of Applied Sciences

25 Mar 25 11:00-12:30 UTC+1 (Espace telecom)

SessionAbstract

The climate emergency is the biggest economic, social, and environmental threat facing the planet and humanity. Climate-related disasters have almost doubled compared to the previous twenty years. This has exacerbated inequalities within and between countries.

The goal of the session is to find more effective ways to collaborate in the climate crisis to promote human security. The session will be held as a discussion between experts from different fields.

The session follows the Chatham House Rule. Rule helps create a trusted environment to understand and resolve complex problems. Its guiding spirit is: share the information you receive, but do not reveal the identity of who said it.

Agenda

Harnessing collaboration for resilience

Adapting to a Rapidly Changing World

The world is evolving faster than ever, driven by shifting global policies, a changing geopolitical landscape, climate change, pandemics, and growing tensions. These challenges demand innovative solutions that tackle simultaneous threats to lives, livelihoods, and stability. In today’s complex world, cross-sector collaboration isn’t just important — it’s essential. No single sector or industry can address these global crises alone.

Comprehensive Security: Collaboration is Key

Comprehensive Security goes far beyond traditional concepts of safety. It’s about understanding that true security can only be achieved when we work together. By combining the strengths of the public sector, private innovation, NGOs and and academic expertise, we can develop resilient, sustainable solutions that enhance resilience and address emerging global challenges with efficiency and responsibility.

Shaping a Resilient Future Together

The challenges of the future require joint action on an unprecedented scale. At HNPW, we are committed to co-creating solutions that address today’s issues while anticipating tomorrow’s needs. By joining forces with global stakeholders, we can build a safer, more secure, and more resilient world.

Join us on this journey of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose to help shape a better future for all.

Speakers

Presentation A Comprehensive Approach to Climate Security

MsKerstin Stendahl.Sheis the Special Representative on Environment Security at the Ministry of the Environment of Finland. She is also the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairpersonship-in Office on Climate and Security during Finland´s chairpersonship in 2025.

Panelists

Mr Andrew Harper, Special Advisor to the High Commissioner for Refugees on Climate Action (UNHCR)
Ms Elizabeth Sellwood, Senior Advisor, Environmental Security, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Ms Maria Mekri, Executive Director, SaferGlobe - independent peace and security think tank
Mr Kimmo Laukkanen, Deputy Head of Mission, Head of Environment and Economic Dimension Permanent Mission of Finland to The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
Ms. Emilia Wahlstrom,Programme Officer in the Partnership Branch, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Commentator

Mr Anton Tkachenko,Head of Economics Department, Ph.D., Senior Researcher,National Scientific Center "Institute of Agriculture of NAAS" (Kyiv, Ukraine)

Moderators

Ms Saara Karkulahti works as the project manager of the regional climate work development project at the North Savo business, transport and environment center. She has experience in preparing and implementing a regional climate road map and developing networks. Saara is also active in political decision-making as a member of the council of the largest city in the region and as chairman of the board of the Savonia University of Applied Sciences.

Mr Jyri Wuorisalo, RDI-specialist at Savonia University of Applied Sciences. He has long experience in leading climate change projects and developing a comprehensive security concept with authorities. His area of expertise is climate security and human security. The European Climate Pact Secretariat appointed Jyri as an European Climate Pact Ambassador from the beginning of 2025.jyri.wuorisalo@savonia.fi