UfM Network on Climate, Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
Context and purpose
The Euro-Mediterranean region is experiencing climate change at an accelerated pace, warming significantly faster than the global average. This environmental pressure, combined with existing political fragility and gender inequalities, is intensifying risks related to human security, conflict, displacement, and economic instability. Despite their critical role in resilience, peacebuilding, and climate adaptation, women remain underrepresented in decision-making processes and are too often perceived as passive victims rather than agents of change.
Recognising the urgency of addressing these interconnected challenges, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) launched the UfM Network on Climate, Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in November 2025 in Amman, Jordan. The Network builds on regional commitments, including the 5th UfM Ministerial Declaration (2022) and subsequent high-level dialogues, to move from fragmented initiatives towards a coordinated and action-oriented regional platform.
By positioning women as key actors of resilience and peace, the Network contributes to more inclusive, sustainable, and effective responses to regional challenges.
Objectives
Strengthen regional cooperation on the climate-WPS nexus
Promote women’s leadership in climate resilience, peacebuilding, and security governance
Support the integration of gender-responsive approaches into climate, peace, and disaster-risk policies
Generate actionable knowledge and foster evidence-based policymaking
Facilitate coordination among stakeholders across sectors and countries
Promoter
Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)
Key partners
The Network brings together a broad and diverse coalition of stakeholders across the Mediterranean, including:
International and regional organisations
UN Women Arab States, UNDP Arab Office, UNESCWA, FAO, OSCE, SIPRI, UNDRR, CGIAR, GWP-MED, IEMed
National institutions
National Women’s Machineries and WPS focal points from countries including Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, and Palestine
Civil society and networks
Arab Reform Initiative, Arab States CSOs & Feminist Networks, WILPF, Arab Office for Youth and Environment (AOYE), Sustainable Cooperation for Peace and Security, MENA Coalition on Youth, Peace & Security
Academia and think tanks
Researchers and institutions from across the Euro-Mediterranean region
The Network has already mobilised the commitment of around 25 core organisations and continues to expand through an Expression of Interest process.
Beneficiaries
The Network targets a wide range of stakeholders engaged in climate action, gender equality, and peace and security, including:
- Government institutions and policymakers
- National Women’s Machineries and climate focal points
- Civil society organisations and feminist networks
- Youth-led organisations and regional coalitions
- Researchers, academia, and think tanks
- International and regional organisations
Ultimately, the initiative benefits communities across the Mediterranean by promoting more inclusive, effective, and sustainable policies and interventions.
Key actions
Establishment of a Regional multi-stakeholder Network fostering cooperation across the climate-WPS nexus
Creation of a Knowledge Hub to provide data and resources to Network members
Development of a Guidance Note (in collaboration with UNDP) to support the integration of Climate and WPS into policy planning, implementation, and monitoring
Organisation of capacity-building workshops, stakeholder dialogues, and peer-learning activities
Launch of thematic working groups via an Expression of Interest focusing on:
o Data and evidence
o Capacity building and skills
o Policy advocacy
Facilitation of regional policy dialogue and advocacy efforts
Preparation of a Regional Policy Report (2026) mapping the climate-WPS landscape, identifying gaps, and providing actionable recommendations
Establishment of a governance structure, including a Steering Committee and inclusive membership mechanisms
Expected results
Strengthened regional coordination and cooperation on the climate-WPS nexus
Increased integration of gender-responsive approaches into climate, peace, and security policies
Enhanced capacity of stakeholders to address interconnected climate, gender, and security challenges
Greater visibility and recognition of women as leaders in climate resilience and peacebuilding
Improved availability of data, research, and policy guidance through the Knowledge Hub and Regional Policy Report
More inclusive and evidence-based decision-making processes at national and regional levels
A sustainable and scalable regional Network driving long-term collaboration and impact
