During the Planetary Security Conference, lively discussions were held in the working groups, each focusing on different regions, themes and actors.
What is the role of water diplomacy in South Asia in combating water scarcity and mitigating potential water-related conflicts? Are there opportunities for the water-food-energy nexus in the MENA region to unlock new forms of regional cooperation? And how can foresight tools help us in preventing and preparing for conflicts exacerbated by climate change? In more general terms, themes like water and food security and their relation to conflict and security were also explored and possible solutions were proposed during the working group discussions.
In dealing with these issues and opportunities, actors from the defence and security communities, national governments, international organisations and also transnational and private sector actors are of major importance. Their various roles in coping with challenges regarding planetary security were central to the discussion. The key issues that were discussed are summarised in the conference take aways. The actual policy briefs, in which more elaborate and in-depth analyses is provided, will be published during the coming weeks.