Somali Cabinet Approves Historic Bill for Establishment of the National Meteorological Agency

Mogadishu, Somalia – 26th October, 2023 – The Federal Republic of Somalia takes a significant step towards safeguarding the well-being of its citizens and the environment with the approval of the National Meteorological Agency Bill by the Somali Cabinet. The announcement was made by Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, who expressed her gratitude to the Cabinet for their approval of this historic bill.

The initiative is meticulously aligned with the rigorous standards articulated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

This momentous decision will pave the way for the establishment of a National Meteorological Agency, a crucial entity dedicated to providing timely early warning data for climate and weather-related threats.

Minister Al-Makhzoumi stated in a tweet,

“Gratitude to the Cabinet for their approval of the historic bill, paving the way for the establishment of the National Meteorological Agency. This significant stride is dedicated to ensuring the provision of timely early warning data for climate and weather-related threats, in strict alignment with the rigorous standards articulated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). @MoECC_Somalia will diligently nurture and supervise this endeavor, assuring the establishment of an autonomous and resilient agency.”

The agency’s impact on Somalia’s efforts to Climate Change Issues

Somalia, like many other nations, is currently grappling with the devastating impacts of climate change, including dangerous floods and droughts. The lack of early warning systems has been identified as a major factor exacerbating these challenges. The establishment of the National Meteorological Agency will provide the necessary infrastructure to predict and monitor weather conditions, enhancing the country’s ability to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

The new agency will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of Somali citizens by providing early warnings and valuable meteorological data that can be used for disaster preparedness, resource allocation, and informed decision-making at all levels of government.

The establishment of the National Meteorological Agency marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the protection of its people. The agency will operate autonomously and with resiliency, ensuring that it is well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges posed by climate change.

The Somali government is enthusiastic about the future capabilities of the National Meteorological Agency and looks forward to collaborating with international partners, including the World Meteorological Organization, to strengthen its meteorological services and improve its ability to respond to climate and weather-related threats.