By Abdihakim Siyad

ADDIS ABABA- At the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, delivered a compelling address that underscored Somalia’s deep climate vulnerabilities and ambitious national response.

The Somali leader called for urgent international cooperation, stronger partnerships, and equitable climate finance, stating that “isolation is failure; collaboration is survival.”

In a landmark announcement, President Mohamud revealed that the Somalia Meteorological Agency is at its final stage of establishment and is currently before the Federal Parliament for approval.

He emphasized that the agency is being developed to meet the standards of international institutions, particularly the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This move is seen as a strategic step in building Somalia’s climate resilience and improving early warning systems amid increasing environmental threats.

Despite Somalia’s insignificant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, President Mohamud highlighted that the country remains one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

He recalled the devastating drought between 2021 and 2023, which affected over 7.8 million people, leading to widespread food insecurity, the collapse of livelihoods, and the displacement of millions.

To combat these challenges, the President outlined several major initiatives Somalia has recently undertaken. Somalia has become the first East African country to submit its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)  demonstrating its commitment to the global climate agenda. Additionally, the country launched the “Green Somalia Initiative”, which aims to plant 10 million trees to restore ecosystems and combat desertification.

President Mohamud also announced the creation of the National Climate Fund and the operational launch of the Green Climate Fund, aimed at accelerating a $100 million climate partnership for Somalia in 2024.

These financial instruments are designed to attract international support and channel it directly to community-level adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Throughout his address, the Somali leader made a passionate appeal for climate finance that is predictable, accessible, and responsive to the urgent needs of frontline nations like Somalia.

“We urge the international community to deliver finance at the right scale and on the right terms,” he stated.
“Operationalize and capitalize loss and damage. Move from pledges to predictable disbursements that reach frontline countries quickly and directly.”

President Mohamud further argued that Africa’s fight against climate change cannot be separated from its development goals.

“Decarbonizing the global economy is inseparable from delivering development in Africa,” he noted.
“Climate action is not a burden but a catalyst for growth, jobs, and transformation.”

He concluded by thanking Ethiopia for hosting the summit and advancing the shared African climate agenda.

“Africa’s climate summits are a journey toward a safe, shared future, one we can reach only together,” he said. “Let this be the summit where we move from declarations to delivery.”

As the summit continues, Somalia’s bold vision, grounded in urgency and unity, stands as a clear example of Africa’s growing climate leadership. The challenge now lies with the global community  to listen, support, and act.