Briefing to the United Nations on Maritime Security
In May 2023, Dr Ife Okafor-Yarwood of the School of Geography and Sustainable Development gave an expert briefing to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission’s meeting on Strengthening Peacebuilding and the Implementation of the Regional Maritime Security Framework in the Gulf of Guinea.
Her brief focused on the question, “What community-based initiatives, mechanisms, and strategies are in place to address the root causes of maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea in support of building and sustaining peace, and how can these be reinforced and/or replicated to further address maritime insecurity?”
Fully aware that there is no one size fits all solution, Dr Okafor-Yarwood’s brief ended with an emphasis to “ask the communities” what needs to be done differently to address the cause of their adversities. By prioritising their voices and insights, we can ensure a more tailored and effective approach to addressing the root causes of insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
To watch the recording of the proceedings, click here: Gulf of Guinea – Peacebuilding Commission Ambassadorial-level meeting | UN Web TV