Berlin, Germany — At the Berlin Climate and Security Conference (BCSC2025), Somalia made a powerful case for linking climate finance to peacebuilding, warning that climate change has become one of the most pressing security challenges in the Horn of Africa.

Representing the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ms. Ayan Harare, the Climate Finance Unit Coordinator and Article 6 Focal Point, joined a high-level panel where she spoke passionately about the intersection of climate resilience, human security, and sustainable development. She was part of the Somali delegation led by the minister, Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is reshaping how communities live, work, and survive. When droughts destroy livelihoods or floods displace families, it becomes a question of security, not just sustainability. Climate finance must be designed to build resilience and prevent conflict before it begins,” Ms. Harare told the audience.

Her message resonated strongly with participants at the conference, which brought together global leaders, researchers, and policymakers to explore how environmental challenges are driving insecurity in fragile regions. Somalia’s experience, marked by decades of climate shocks intertwined with conflict and poverty, stood as a stark reminder of how deeply the two issues are connected.

Lt. Gen. Jama reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to international cooperation, stressing that global support must go beyond pledges and reach communities on the frontlines of climate change.

“Somalia contributes the least to global emissions but suffers some of the worst consequences. We need equitable access to climate finance—resources that can turn vulnerability into opportunity,” he said in earlier remarks.

Somalia has repeatedly underscored that climate change is not merely an environmental concern but a national security priority. With over 70 percent of its population relying on climate-sensitive livelihoods such as farming and pastoralism, the country faces recurrent droughts, floods, and displacement. Each event tests the resilience of communities already stretched thin by conflict and limited infrastructure.

At the Berlin conference, Somalia’s delegation called for a stronger partnership between climate and security actors, emphasizing adaptation efforts that promote peace and social cohesion. Ms. Harare concluded by urging the global community to view climate action as a peacebuilding tool: “Investing in resilience is investing in stability. If we want a safer world, we must start by protecting those most at risk.”

The Berlin Climate and Security Conference continues to serve as a vital platform for nations like Somalia—where the fight against climate change is also a fight for survival.