“Prioritizing Children in Climate Action: Somalia’s Call for Child-Centered Climate Policies at COP29”

During the #COP29 Climate Summit, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Somalia, Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, participated in a panel titled “Their World, For Our World,” which focused on making children and youth central to climate action efforts. Given Somalia’s struggle with the severe impacts of climate change, this was a crucial opportunity for the Minister to highlight the urgent need for child-centered climate policies.
Somalia ranks fourth in the Children’s Climate Risk Index, with its children particularly affected by extreme droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks. However, it is essential that children and youth not only be seen as vulnerable but also positioned at the heart of solutions and responses to climate challenges.
Currently, only 2.4% of global climate finance is directed toward addressing issues affecting children, which is insufficient to protect future generations. This must change. Increased investment in health, education, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services is essential to building resilience among Somali children and children worldwide.
In her conclusion, Minister Khadija expressed deep gratitude to UNICEF and all organizations working to support Somalia and other countries in advancing efforts for the most vulnerable in climate action. She emphasized the need for collaboration to create a sustainable and equitable future for all children.