Somalia’s Minister of Environment Calls for Urgent Global Action on Climate Change at #COP29: Emphasizing Youth and Vulnerable Communities”

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, delivered an important speech at the IOM Forum during the #COP29 Summit, highlighting the impact of climate change on youth and vulnerable communities globally. The Minister emphasized that climate change poses a critical threat to life in Somalia and across the world, as it leads to displacement, urbanization pressures, water scarcity, food insecurity, and uncontrollable crises.
Minister Khadija stressed the urgent need for a collective and rapid response to address these challenges. She also pointed out that young people bear the brunt of climate impacts, affecting their education, access to essential services, job opportunities, and overall global development goals (SDGs).
The Minister called on leaders, policymakers, and organizations to work together to strengthen the capacity of young people to participate in climate solutions. Somalia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is committed to amplifying youth voices as a key part of its climate change efforts and sustainable development, recognizing youth as a driving force capable of shaping the future of both the country and the world.