HATAY, TURKEY H.E. General Bashir Mohamed Jama, Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, took part in the high-level “Resilient Cities for COP31” summit in Hatay, Turkey, which serves as a preparation for the upcoming global climate conference, as noted by the Ministry’s Official Facebook Page.

This event forms a foundation for preparations for the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), set to take place later this year in Antalya, Turkey. The summit seeks to unite global efforts to strengthen urban responses to climate challenges, bringing together distinguished international leaders and experts.

The summit presented insights from the “Disaster of the Century” (the 2023 Turkey earthquake), during which the Minister examined reconstruction models firsthand. He stressed that safeguarding urban areas depends on “proactive structural decisions” and policies implemented prior to disasters to guarantee community resilience.

The Minister engaged in a specialized panel titled “From the Disaster of the Century to Building Sustainable Cities,” delivering a landmark speech that outlined Somalia’s climate challenges, including persistent droughts and catastrophic floods that damage the nation’s infrastructure.

He introduced a five-point strategic vision for the future, emphasizing integrating climate risks into national planning, investing in proactive infrastructure, enhancing local governance, connecting climate efforts with peacebuilding, and developing inclusive solutions that prioritize women and youth.

General Bashir Mohamed Jama underscored Mogadishu’s commitment to sustainable water initiatives and early warning systems, noting that the Somali administration considers the “Hatay Summit” a crucial chance to strengthen the resilience of Somali cities leading up to COP31.

In separate meetings, the Minister conferred with his Turkish counterpart, H.E. Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. They explored possibilities for collaborative efforts and technical expertise sharing in environmental management, according to the Ministry’s Official Platform.

Both parties examined methods to implement existing agreements and reinforce coordination frameworks between environmental agencies, concentrating on technical capacity development to address natural disasters and formulate climate adaptation strategies beneficial to both nations.

The discussions also highlighted Turkey’s prominent role in hosting significant international gatherings. The Somali Minister commended the Turkish “Urban Resilience” model, characterizing it as an exemplary model for nations experiencing ecological vulnerability and pursuing recovery.

Somalia’s involvement concluded by emphasizing that climate action has evolved from a luxury to a cornerstone of national security, urging the international community to offer essential assistance to the most vulnerable nations to achieve climate justice and worldwide stability.

Somalia’s presence in Hataya city rebuilt from earthquake devastationconveys a message of resolve and vision. The Somali administration acknowledges that constructing “Resilient Cities” represents an investment in human dignity and future generations, requiring collaboration with international partners as an essential measure to convert environmental obstacles into sustainable development prospects.