Minister of Environment and Climate Change Addresses Climate Challenges at Development Coordination Forum

Mogadishu, Somalia – During the Development Coordination Forum on March 5, the Honourable Khadija Al-Makhzoumi, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of the Federal Republic of Somalia, delivered a powerful speech on the pressing need to address climate change and environmental concerns in Somalia.

Minister Al-Makhzoumi highlighted the unique challenges Somalia faces, including recurrent droughts and floods leading to food insecurity, displacement, and increased mobility. “The situation in Somalia is a unique testament to the extreme impact of climate change,” she noted, emphasizing the country’s vulnerability despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Minister expressed her gratitude towards donors and development partners for their continued support and celebrated the establishment of a dedicated working group for the environment and climate change. “This shows our government’s commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges and navigating the impacts of climate change on our nation’s development and resilience building,” Al-Makhzoumi stated.

Her speech outlined the strategic focus on policy and partnerships, climate finance, enforcement of environmental laws, and the importance of reliable data in implementing Somalia’s National Determined Contributions (NDC) Implementation Plan, the ongoing National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the revised National Development Plan (NDP-9).

Minister Al-Makhzoumi reaffirmed her commitment to integrating climate action across all governance spheres and establishing partnerships for climate adaptation and mitigation. “I am committed to fulfilling the objectives of the Environment and Climate Change sub-working group for resilience building and sustainable development,” she declared, promising full collaboration, coordination, and support to all partners and government sectors.

The forum served as a platform to emphasize the significance of international solidarity and sectoral collaboration in addressing environmental and climate challenges. Minister Al-Makhzoumi’s speech is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together towards a more resilient and sustainable Somalia.