Human Security and Planetary Resilience
Human security is an essential part of contemporary policymaking and a key element in achieving sustainable peace. By recognizing the interconnected nature of threats that span borders, societies, and ecosystems, we can develop cooperative and compassionate responses that bolster resilience at all levels. This broad-based approach acknowledges that security is not merely about preventing violent conflict, but also about ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities confronted by challenges related to the environment, health, and the movement of people.
We promote peace, security, and global stability by elevating human security and planetary resilience as indispensable components of security policy. This involves deepening our collective awareness of how threats—ranging from environmental degradation and pandemics to forced migration—affect both individuals and states. Our mission is to enhance decision-making in governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector worldwide. We encourage policies that integrate climate action, health preparedness, and humanitarian considerations.
Our flagship offering is the two-month New Issues in Security Course, which provides a comprehensive human security perspective. We also offer specialized courses on Addressing Challenges in Global Health Security (in English and French), Environment and Security, and Movement of People and Security, and other tailor-made modules that respond to emerging risks. Through our executive education, policy analysis, and dialogue initiatives, experts and practitioners can investigate threats, devise solutions, and forge lasting networks across the security policy landscape.
In our activities, we emphasize the interconnected nature of security challenges—particularly those spanning health, the environment, and human mobility:
Human security is closely linked to the health of our planet. Recent case studies show how extreme weather events disrupt livelihoods, exacerbate conflict risks, and strain governance structures. These events highlight the need for collective action, ranging from climate adaptation measures to the sustainable management of natural resources. By integrating environmental resilience into security strategies, we address not only the immediate challenges of climate change and resource scarcity but also the longer-term sustainability of communities worldwide and build planetary resilience.
Health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the vulnerability of interconnected societies to infectious diseases. Beyond the direct impact on public health, pandemics can weaken economies, aggravate social inequalities, and create political tensions. In several regions, the strain on healthcare systems and the fallout from lockdown measures emphasized the urgency of preparedness and equitable resource distribution. Strengthening global health security involves robust surveillance systems, cross-border collaboration, and inclusive policy frameworks that protect the most vulnerable populations while maintaining societal stability.
Forced migration and large-scale displacement—seen in contexts such as the Syrian refugee crisis or the ongoing displacement of communities due to environmental disasters—demonstrate how human mobility and security are intertwined. In many cases, climate-related events (e.g., prolonged drought in the Horn of Africa) trigger or exacerbate socio-political tensions, driving population movements across borders. Effective policies must address both the root causes of displacement and the protection of those who are compelled to migrate. This includes investment in conflict prevention, climate adaptation, and sustainable development to reduce forced migration pressures and foster long-term stability.
By engaging with these interconnected challenges—environmental protection, global health, and human mobility—we cultivate a comprehensive perspective on human security and planetary resilience. This holistic approach ensures that policy responses are both preventive and inclusive, ultimately reinforcing peace and stability for all.
