National security has always included an element of resource security. Unfortunately, most national security planning and strategies still reflect an outdated understanding of which resources are most critical to secure. 

"Inside every uniform is a human being" - a fact that is sometimes overlooked when we think about how to catalyze and support major changes in the security sector. Trauma is an ever present occupational risk for security institutions and the communities they serve.

It was a privilege to co-host this meetup on regenerative approaches at ImpactFest 2024 with talented colleagues from Oxfam Novib, the Hague Academy for Local Governance, the Hague Humanity Hub, and LG Sonic. We had an excellent group of participants including entrepreneurs, policy makers, investors and students - all of whom contributed to a creative discussion of what regenerative principles mean in practice.

Happy to announce the successful completion of the Institute for Security Governance’s inaugural regional climate security course, hosted by the Armed Forces University of Ecuador. And to have played a role in designing and running the course as assistant director. We couldn't have asked for a better group for this first course.

Thanks to the organizers of this year’s Environmental Peacebuilding Conference in The Hague for the opportunity to co-host a session on regenerative approaches to peacebuilding with Oscar Alvarado (LG Sonic). Grateful to have spent time with such a talented group of colleagues working at the intersection of the environment, peace and conflict - and particularly grateful to our participants for their insights!

Excited to announce that I am now partnering with Marianne Goodwin, a negotiation expert and outstanding instructor, to offer new training on “Global Negotiation: Skills & Strategies.” Our training is designed to help negotiators at all levels become more effective in developing inclusive, pragmatic agreements to address the interconnected challenges we face today - from climate and environmental changes to shrinking civic space.

Our thinking on our shared governance systems at all levels – local, national and international, and the interconnections among them – is in need of an upgrade to address and transcend interlocking crises. In recent years, regenerative approaches have been at the center of discussions of how to transform sectors including agriculture and the economy. In this blog, we examine the potential for regenerative principles and approaches to be integrated in governance more broadly.

Co-authoring this report on trauma-informed approaches to security sector governance and reform has been a learning process, and one I hope we’ll be able to share and advance with a wide network of partners.

Working on a new project this year - designing climate and environmental security courses for the Institute for Security Governance. Great to be working on an effort that supports creative thinking around how we can best leverage the considerable capacity of the security sector to respond to climate and environmental risks.

Thanks to DCAF's Latin America and the Caribbean Unit for the invitation to moderate their Geneva Peace Week session on climate security in the Amazon Basin! Grateful to have been part of a session which brought together the wisdom, expertise and perspectives of colleagues from Brazil and Colombia.

Happy to announce the publication of DCAF's stocktaking study on the role of the security sector in responding to climate and environmental risks - a first of its kind cross-regional look at opportunities and challenges for security institutions on the front lines of the climate crisis.

Great to have had the opportunity to moderate a BCSC session for the second year in a row - this year, an in-person breakout on how to better leverage the capacity of the security sector to protect our planet and contribute to peacebuilding in the midst of the climate crisis.

Thanks to The Hague Academy for Local Governance for the invitation to facilitate a learning session on regenerative governance, focused on reimagining governance based on the qualities of thriving ecosystems.

Very happy to have had the opportunity to discuss new ideas on climate security as part of the Fragile Truths podcast series. Our podcast focused on the results of research with women from indigenous communities in the Putumayo department of Colombia.

Is water a driver of peace and conflict? On May 11th, the Youth Peace Initiative brought together experts in sustainability, humanitarian assistance, conflict, peace and security for a panel discussion on the role water can play as a source of conflict or cooperation.

The SDG Traineeship offers students and young professionals an opportunity to contribute to sustainable business and entrepreneurship. An initiative by SDG House and TheRockGroup, the program helps to accelerate the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals in the public and private sector. In 2022, Continua and the Climate Governance Commission co-hosted a team of trainees who explored regenerative approaches to governance as a cross-cutting enabler of the SDGs and a missing link in SDG 16.

The first report is now available from DCAF’s stocktaking study on the role of security institutions in responding to climate change and environmental risks. The report is based on research in the occupied Palestinian territory and offers new insights related to the effects of illegal waste dumping on human security and the critical need to leverage security sector capacity for prevention of, not just responses to, environmental harm.

The 2022 edition of the Berlin Climate & Security Conference – Climate – Conflict – Clash of Crises: Weathering the Risks – focused on developing informed responses to climate, peace and conflict; advancing climate-sensitive policies and operations; and connecting people, regions and disciplines.

The peace & justice café is The Hague Humanity Hub’s premier networking event series for cross-sectoral connection and collaboration for a more peaceful and just world. This event brings together peacebuilders, justice innovators, researchers, humanitarians, impact entrepreneurs, policy makers and other changemakers from The Hague and around the world.

Indigenous and Rural Women's Voices: Recommendations to Address Climate Security Risks goes beyond the idea of climate change as a threat multiplier and highlights what indigenous and rural women in Colombia recommend be done to improve both environmental health and human security.