The UN-affiliated University for Peace (UPEACE), in collaboration with the Peace Research Institute of the University of Khartoum, are jointly organising a conference on "Environmental Degradation and Conflict in Darfur" at the University of Khartoum, Al-Sharja Hall, on 15 and 16 December 2004.

The workshop will provide a platform for examining the major issues related to environmental degradation and land use in Darfur and will analyse the root causes of the current conflict. Focusing on major developmental needs that might reduce tension in the Darfur area, the workshop is structured to result in a monograph, which can be used for teaching purposes. This end product will include key papers and synthesise the findings of the workshop. Upon its completion, it will serve as a useful reference for Sudanese academics, researchers, decision makers and parliamentarians and will make for important educational materials for the global institution of UPEACE and the international community.

The workshop, which opens on 15 December, will include discussions on endangered natural resources, combating desertification, environmental preservation and re-generation and promoting peace among the local populations. Of particular importance for many parts of Africa is a rigorous examination of the convergence of fragile eco-systems, encroaching desert and demographic pressures. Such underlying stresses have stoked acute conflicts in a number of African nations.

The workshop will be attended by academics, decision makers, representatives of civil society organizations and students. Internationally acclaimed experts, based at the University of Oxford and the Universities of Bergen and Chicago, will be among those offering analyses and policy recommendations.

Sudan is one of the pivotal countries of the UPEACE Africa Programme. The overall goal of the Africa Programme is to strengthen African capacity for education, training, and research on issues of peace and security, including the prevention, management and resolution of deadly strife. Key elements in the new UPEACE Academic Programme are Sustainable Development and Environmental Security in relation to peace and development.

As part of a consultative process, UPEACE missions visited 13 African countries in 2002 and 2003, including Sudan in May 2002. This provided an opportunity for the mission to meet with universities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), youth organisations, churches and government officials.

During the Sudan mission, requests from civil society organisations highlighted the need to strengthen networking initiatives among NGOs and universities. As a consequence of these expressed needs, UPEACE in September 2002 held a workshop - "Education for Peace: Networking in Sudan" - organised in collaboration with the Peace Advisory of the Government of Sudan and the University of Khartoum. The 2002 workshop remains a benchmark in the strengthening of dialogue and interaction across academic, NGO, and civil society constituencies, and was the first such endeavour to be held by UPEACE in Africa. In addition, a research project has been undertaken by UPEACE and Sudanese scholars, which has resulted in the production of a study guide, entitled Transition from War to Peace in Sudan .

 In late 2002, academics and NGO leaders from the countries visited by consultative missions met together in Maputo, Mozambique, and more than 60 participants from African universities, policy and research centres, civil society organisations and donor governments finalised and endorsed the five-year plan that was drawn up. Launched in 2003, the plan was ultimately prepared, completed and approved by African scholars, experts and officials. 

 The UPEACE Africa Programme has been supported by contributions from CIDA, Denmark, the Netherlands, SIDA, and Switzerland. The Darfur workshop received support from the Embassies of Great Britain, the Netherlands and the United States in Khartoum. The 15 and 16 December workshop on environmental degradation and acute conflict marks a second focal point in the building of the Africa Programme s efforts in Sudan. A news conference will be held at the conclusion of the meeting. 

 -Ends-

Notes for Editors:

The University for Peace (UPEACE), whose main campus is in Costa Rica, was established by a resolution of the UN General Assembly in 1980. Four years ago, as part of the reform of the UN system, Secretary-General Kofi Annan decided to revitalise UPEACE and turn it into a truly global institution. He agreed to become the Honorary President of UPEACE. With the guidance of Maurice Strong, President of the governing Council, Chancellor Graça Machel, and Rector R. Martin Lees, several regional programmes have been launched to extend UPEACE activities into Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America, Central Asia, India, Brazil, and, eventually, the Arab and Islamic World. The University has an Environmental Security Programme. The fundamental objective of UPEACE, according to Secretary-General Annan, is to 'become the centre of a worldwide movement of education for peace.'

For further information, please contact: 

Dr Bakri Saeed
Tel: 0912151144;  Email: saeedbakri@hotmail.com 

Dr Eltayeb Ateya, Director, Peace Research Institute, University of Khartoum
Tel: 0912347378

Patrick Orr
Raitt Orr & Associates, Victoria Chambers, 16-18 Strutton Ground, London SW1P 2HP, UK
Tel: +44 20 7222 5479; Fax: +44 20 7222 5480 Email: patrick@raittorr.co.uk