(NEW YORK) – Members of the United Nations Security Council have reaffirmed their collective commitment to addressing the overlapping challenges of climate change, insecurity and political instability in South Sudan.
Representatives from Denmark, France, Greece, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and Panama, all signatories of the Joint Pledges on Climate, Peace and Security, issued a statement after the Council’s discussions on South Sudan on 18 August 2025.
The group noted that South Sudan continues to face a complex mix of political and environmental crises. Severe flooding, prolonged droughts and desertification are fuelling competition over natural resources, undermining already fragile livelihoods and destabilising communities. These conditions, combined with years of conflict, have left millions of South Sudanese in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Climate Challenges and Impacts in South Sudan
| Climate Challenge | Main Impacts on Communities | Security and Humanitarian Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Flooding | Displacement of families, destruction of farmland, loss of livestock | Rising humanitarian needs, increased conflict over scarce land, disease outbreaks |
| Drought | Crop failure, water shortages, food insecurity | Heightened intercommunal violence, malnutrition, migration to urban areas |
| Desertification | Loss of arable land, reduced grazing areas | Strain on pastoralist communities, conflicts over resources, weakening of livelihoods |
Political instability is further complicating the situation. The 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, which aimed to end years of civil conflict, faces setbacks amid rising tensions and intercommunal violence. The influx of refugees and returnees has placed additional pressure on already stretched basic services such as health care, education and clean water.
The Council members also highlighted the disproportionate impact on women and girls, who are facing heightened risks of gender-based violence, child marriage, abduction and exploitation. Despite these challenges, women and girls remain vital actors in strengthening community resilience and contributing to peacebuilding.
Children are among the most affected, as recurring seasonal floods have displaced thousands and worsened malnutrition and disease. School dropout rates remain high, leaving many young people without access to education or protection.
The joint statement commended the work of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in seeking to de-escalate tensions through dialogue and cooperation. However, it called for greater regional coordination to address the consequences of climate change more effectively.
The Council members outlined key priorities, urging stakeholders to integrate peace initiatives with climate adaptation, support community-driven solutions, and strengthen disaster risk reduction. They also called for better use of early warning systems such as the Nile Cascade Committee Flood Forecasting system.
The statement further encouraged stakeholders to ensure meaningful participation of women and girls in peacebuilding, humanitarian response and economic activities. It also stressed the need for adequate and sustained funding to enable UNMISS to continue its work on climate, peace and security issues.
The group reaffirmed readiness to work with all parties, emphasising that climate risks must be seen as central to peace and stability in South Sudan and across the wider region.
