We are honoured to welcome Satya S. Tripathi and Dr Pauline Heinrichs for the second session of the CSD Speaker Series, focused on navigating the intricate nexus of climate, security and development. This conversation will explore the evolving connections between climate resilience, global security, and sustainable development, incorporating insights from the upcoming COP29 discussions in Baku.

Dr Heinrichs will provide an academic perspective, sharing research-based insights into sustainable development and security. Meanwhile, Mr Tripathi, drawing on his extensive professional background, will offer practical experiences from his work in climate policy and international development. Together, they will assess the progress made and the challenges that persist within the climate-security-development space, presenting a nuanced view of the strategies needed to advance climate resilience and stability.

Mr Tripathi will discuss the transformative potential of innovative financing and partnerships to support climate-affected communities and drive impactful solutions worldwide. In turn, Dr Heinrichs will emphasise the importance of transparent, inclusive narratives in shaping national and international responses to climate change as a security concern, drawing on her experience in high-stakes climate diplomacy and her strategic contributions to COP26.

This session is a valuable opportunity for anyone dedicated to building a sustainable and secure future. Attendees will gain unique insights into the policy shifts, collaborative efforts, and long-term commitments shaping the future of climate and development. Join us to hear from these two distinguished voices as they examine the dynamic landscape of the climate- security-development nexus. The format will be conversational, with questions welcomed from the audience.

About the Speakers

Satya S. Tripathi, who joins us fresh from COP29, is a distinguished development economist, lawyer, and environmental leader with over four decades of experience, including high-level roles within the United Nations. A former UN Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the New York Office for the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Mr. Tripathi has been at the forefront of global initiatives in climate resilience, sustainable finance, and environmental policy. In his extensive UN career, he has served in post-conflict zones such as Bosnia and Indonesia, where he led critical recovery efforts, managed human rights investigations, and coordinated aid to rebuild communities affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Now as Secretary-General of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (GASP), Mr Tripathi leads a coalition dedicated to mobilising resources and policy solutions for climate resilience and equity, driving partnerships that span sectors and nations.

Dr Pauline Heinrichs, a Lecturer in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, is an expert in climate and energy, with extensive experience in international climate diplomacy and the complexities of climate policy within conflict and post-conflict settings. Her work has taken her to conflict-affected regions like Ukraine and the Baltic States, where she led qualitative research projects on strategic narratives around climate and security, examining how these narratives influence both local and international policy decisions. Dr Heinrichs has also been instrumental in advising G7 and G20 governments on energy transitions, particularly within countries facing urgent environmental and economic challenges. Her professional background includes working with Germany’s foreign office and advising the UK Government during COP26, where she provided policy insights for energy transition strategies in key regions, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy application, making her a leading voice in understanding the role of climate diplomacy in global security and resilience planning.

About the CSD Speaker Series

The Conflict, Security and Development (CSD) Speaker Series is an initiative from the Conflict, Security & Development Research Group in the Department of War Studies. It aims to bring together interested individuals with some of the brightest and most influential thinkers in the fields of conflict, security, and development.

This event is located in S-1.06 Lecture Theatre on level -1 of the Strand Building. A member of our team will be located at the Strand Building reception to register you and direct you to the room