Mogadishu, Somalia – More than sixty young Somali environmental advocates have come together to draft the Somalia Climate Youth Statement, a groundbreaking document outlining the country’s youth-driven priorities for global climate action ahead of COP30.

The initiative, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), brought together young leaders from across Somalia — including Mogadishu, Garowe, Baidoa, and Hargeisa — to voice their perspectives on one of the most pressing challenges facing their generation.

The youth consultations focused on Nature-based Solutions, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Climate Finance, and Social Protection — areas critical to addressing Somalia’s growing vulnerability to climate shocks such as droughts, floods, and land degradation.

For the participants, these discussions reflected lived realities. Somalia has endured multiple failed rainy seasons followed by devastating floods, leaving millions displaced and threatening livelihoods that depend heavily on farming and pastoralism.

The statement emphasizes that Somali youth are not merely beneficiaries of climate programs but essential partners in shaping and implementing national climate priorities. It highlights the need for investment in youth-led green enterprises, improved access to climate finance, and stronger policies that link environmental resilience with social protection.

FAO Somalia’s support in facilitating this process aligns with its global push for #BetterProduction, #BetterEnvironment, and #BetterLife, underscoring that climate resilience and sustainable agriculture must advance together.

As Somalia continues its path toward recovery and stability, the Climate Youth Statement stands as a symbol of determination and leadership — showing that young Somalis are taking ownership of their country’s role in the global climate movement.

The final document will inform Somalia’s preparations for COP30 in Brazil, where it is expected to strengthen the nation’s position and amplify the collective voice of Somali youth in international climate negotiations.

In a country where climate change has already reshaped lives and livelihoods, this initiative represents a turning point — a generation stepping forward to define its future and champion a more sustainable, resilient Somalia.