Mogadishu, Somalia – The Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ugochi Daniels, has called for a paradigm shift in addressing the global climate crisis, urging governments and partners to treat climate change not just as a humanitarian emergency but as a long-term development challenge.

Speaking to local media on Sunday during her visit to Somalia, Daniels emphasized that “reactive, short-term humanitarian responses are not enough,” especially in countries like Somalia where climate shocks are displacing thousands and compounding already fragile conditions.

“Climate change must be met with sustained development funding. In Somalia, droughts and floods are no longer isolated events—they are recurring disasters with devastating effects on lives, livelihoods, and stability,” she said, warming that without such investments, communities will remain locked in cycles of crisis.

Somalia is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with increasingly erratic weather patterns exacerbating food insecurity, displacement, and conflict. According to the UN, more than 3.8 million Somalis are currently internally displaced, many due to climate-induced shocks.

Daniels underscored the importance of building long-term resilience through infrastructure, education, and economic development, noting that addressing climate displacement also requires integrating climate adaptation into national and regional development plans.

Her comments come as the Somali government, in collaboration with international agencies, works to implement the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and build climate resilience, especially in hard-hit regions such as South West and Jubaland.

Daniels’ visit included meetings with senior Somali officials, humanitarian partners, and displaced communities. She reiterated IOM’s commitment to supporting Somalia not just with emergency relief, but with programs that foster recovery and long-term solutions.

“This is not just about survival. It’s about transformation,” concluded Daniels.