Public Lecture Given to the University Community
The College of Law and the Law Students Association at Haramaya University hosted a public lecture titled “Climate Change, Resource Scarcity and Conflict: How Are They Linked?” on November 4, 2023, at the University’s Resource Center.
Dr. Richard Wintzel, the Dean of the College of Law, welcomed Professor Terence Lyon, who had traveled from America to share his knowledge and experience on the topic. Dr. Richard expressed his appreciation for the professor’s attendance and stated that the lecture would provide the participants with a better understanding of climate change, resource scarcity, and conflict.
Dr. Richard also highlighted that the College of Law has been working on peace-building projects with USAID for over a decade. The work of Haramaya University on climate change, natural resource management, and conflict resolution has been recognized by the Oromia Regional State as well, according to him.
Professor Jeylan Waliye, the Vice President of Administration and Student Affairs, opened the lecture. Professor Jeylan thanked Professor Lyon for raising awareness of climate change and other current issues and expressed his gratitude for facilitating the public speech.
Professor Jeylan emphasized that while it is impossible to stop climate change, it is vital to use agricultural technologies and methods that can resist it. Haramaya University has significantly contributed to creating a society that is resistant to climate change, he added.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Haramaya University will continue working on agriculture and peace-building that is resistant to climate change by collaborating with different international partner organizations and Universities.
During the lecture, Professor Terence Lyon and Assistant Professor Gadisa Tesfaye from Haramaya University’s College of Law presented an article titled “How are climate change, resource scarcity, and conflict connected?” They also provided further explanations based on audience questions.
Professor Lyon said that the lecture aimed to increase the University community’s understanding of the relationship between climate change and conflict and to solve this problem. He expressed his appreciation to Haramaya University and the College of Law for giving him the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with the University community.
Mr. Gadisa, stressed the importance of using public platforms to create awareness that encourages people to find solutions to conflicts through research. He also emphasized that climate change and the use of natural resources are the leading causes of conflict.
The attendees appreciated the lecture and stated that they had gained valuable knowledge on climate change, natural resource use, sustainable solutions to climate change, fair resource use, and conflict resolution methods.
Reporter:- Shemsedin Mohammed
Photographer:- Tewodros Lishan
Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate