May 30, 2025 (Nairobi- Kenya): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in partnership with GIZ, successfully concluded a five-day Work Planning Workshop under the Peaceful and Resilient Borderlands Programme (PRBP). Held in Nairobi from 26–30 May 2025, the workshop brought together IGAD specialised institutions, cross-border NGOs, local government actors, and development partners to coordinate implementation efforts across three cross-border clusters in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan.
The PRBP is a flagship initiative co-implemented by IGAD and GIZ, aiming to reduce cross-border conflict and enhance community resilience by addressing shared regional challenges such as natural resource scarcity, security threats, and climate-induced vulnerabilities.
The workshop was officially opened with remarks from Dr Feto Esimo, Coordinator of the IGAD Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative (IDDRSI) Platform, who spoke on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu. Dr Esimo emphasised the strategic relevance of integrated planning in strengthening synergies between early warning systems, pastoralist livelihoods, and climate-resilient development.
During the first two days, IGAD specialised institutions — including the Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN), the IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (ICPALD), and the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) — presented key findings from the PRBP baseline survey. The data highlighted crucial trends around transboundary resource access, livestock mobility patterns, and climate risks across the target borderlands.
Parallel technical sessions provided space for IGAD entities and partners to develop draft operational plans with clear priorities, timelines, and budget needs. Facilitated discussions allowed for harmonisation of these inputs into a single, integrated annual work plan. This joint framework will guide coordinated implementation of peacebuilding, livelihoods, and climate adaptation activities in the coming year.
In closing, Mr Anthony Awira, IGAD Director for Planning, Coordination and Partnerships, reaffirmed the PRBP’s alignment with IGAD’s broader regional integration and resilience agenda. He commended the strong collaboration demonstrated throughout the week, noting that joint programming is key to achieving lasting peace and prosperity in IGAD’s border regions.
