Sri Lanka: Landmark UN Study Links Climate Change, Gender, and Security Risks in Sri Lanka

Oct 2, 2025 | UNDP
Newswire
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The United Nations launched a landmark study on how climate change, gender and security in Sri Lanka are interconnected. Commissioned by the Joint UN Development Programme (UNDP) – UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Programme and UN Women Sri Lanka, through Adelphi Research, it is among the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific Region.

As Sri Lanka grapples with the accelerating impacts of climate change, it faces heightened risks to peace and security. These impacts are not felt equally, with gender, age, ethnicity, disability, and religion shaping who is most vulnerable.

Developed with support from the Government of Australia, the study offers district-specific recommendations for policy and decision-makers, development partners and donors to simultaneously advance climate action, peace and security, and gender equality. The research was carried out in four districts: Badulla, Batticaloa, Hambantota, and Mullaitivu, identified as highly vulnerable to overlapping climate, gender, and conflict risks.