Nairobi – Somalia has taken a major step toward creating a fully independent Meteorological and Climate Agency, following a four-day workshop held in Nairobi that brought together government officials, lawmakers, technical experts, and international partners.

The workshop focused on laying the groundwork for a national agency that would be free from political interference and equipped with the authority to deliver accurate and timely climate services across the country. Discussions centered on the agency’s legal framework, organizational structure, staffing needs, financial sustainability, and public engagement strategy.

Members of the Somali Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Environment backed the proposal for full institutional independence, stressing that only a technically autonomous agency can guarantee impartial climate data and services essential for national planning and disaster response.

Participants urged the government to establish regional offices in all Federal Member States to ensure nationwide access to reliable weather forecasts, early warning systems, and climate risk information. They emphasized that Somalia’s vulnerability to extreme weather—including droughts, floods, and cyclones—demands a decentralized system that can reach communities most at risk.

Dr. Guleid Artan, Somalia’s representative to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), presented international best practices for building credible meteorological agencies. He highlighted the importance of enacting a strong legal mandate to protect the agency’s independence and secure long-term investment in infrastructure, data systems, and professional training.

Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hussein Ali Haji, reiterated the federal government’s support for rapid legislative action to formalize the agency. He described it as a “critical national institution” that will play a central role in disaster management, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.

The workshop marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s efforts to strengthen its climate governance. If passed into law, the new agency would fill a major institutional gap, enabling the country to better anticipate climate shocks and protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.