The National Climate Outlook Forum (MAM/Gu’ 2026) Officially Opens in Mogadishu

The State Minister of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Omar, today officially inaugurated the National Climate Outlook Forum for the Gu 2026 rainy season (National Climate Outlook Forum – Gu 2026), held in Mogadishu.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Guleid Abdulkadir Artan; Director Generals of Federal Government institutions; representatives of Somalia’s development partners; the Deputy Commissioner of the National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA); Directors from Federal Member States; Ministers from the Federal Member States; and the State Minister of the Ministry of Environment.

The forum was jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) and the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), in collaboration with partner institutions including IGAD/ICPAC, WMO, FAO, and relevant ministries.

Held under the theme: “Early Action for Drought Risk Management, Protecting Lives, Livelihoods and Food Security,” the forum focused on presenting the Gu’ 2026 rainfall forecast and strengthening the link between early warning systems and timely response actions.

Dr. Guleid Abdulkadir Artan, Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the WMO and Special Envoy for Meteorological Affairs at the Ministry of Environment, explained the importance of the forum and its role in linking climate data to government decision-making.

“This forum is a key pillar of the country’s early warning system. Climate forecasting is not just a technical report, but a tool that can save lives and livelihoods if it is properly translated into planning and timely action,” said Dr. Guleid Artan.

The Deputy Commissioner of the National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Dr. Ahmed Abdi Adan, also outlined the agency’s role in drought prevention and disaster management.

“SoDMA leads the coordination of emergency response and disaster preparedness efforts. Early forecasts like this help us take preventive measures before a situation escalates into an emergency,” he said.

The FAO Representative in Somalia, Etienne Peterschmitt, stated that FAO will continue providing technical support to enhance the use of climate data to strengthen agricultural productivity and the resilience of rural communities.

Similarly, Eng. Mohamed Ali, WMO’s Horn of Africa Project Manager, and Dr. Philip Omondi from ICPAC–IGAD, noted that the ongoing efforts in Somalia are commendable and pledged to strengthen cooperation and technical support.

The State Minister of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, H.E. Ahmed Omar, officially opened the forum, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the national early warning system.

“The Federal Government of Somalia is committed to strengthening early warning systems and enhancing cooperation between national and international institutions. Our objective is clear: to prevent drought, save lives, and protect the livelihoods of the Somali people,” he stated.

Among the participants were Ministers from the Federal Member States of Puntland and Southwest, experts from Federal Government and Federal Member State institutions, and representatives from partner organizations.

The National Gu 2026 Climate Outlook Forum is expected to produce an official report and practical recommendations to enhance preparedness and prevent risks associated with climate change.

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