MOGADISHU – H.E. Ahmed Omar Mohamed, State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, officially launched the “National Climate Finance Forum,” a collaborative effort with the National Climate Fund (NCF) to develop a comprehensive national sustainability strategy.
The forum brings together diverse participants including government institutions, the private sector, and civil society, with active engagement from youth and women to enhance national unity in addressing environmental challenges.
The event aims to create an ambitious roadmap to improve mechanisms for accessing international climate finance while developing management systems consistent with state strategic plans for climate adaptation and mitigation.
Mr. Liban Obsiye, Director of the National Climate Fund, stressed the importance of establishing a unified, transparent, and professional national framework to attract substantial global investments and direct them toward critical development initiatives.
The State Minister noted that Somalia offers significant potential despite climate variations, emphasizing that robust financial partnerships serve as the catalyst for supporting local communities and safeguarding vulnerable populations through sustainable infrastructure.
Technical presentations featured Ms. Ayan Harare, Coordinator of the National Climate Finance Unit, who examined the global climate finance landscape, identifying competitive advantages that position Somalia to secure a fair allocation of these resources.
A significant panel discussion addressed challenges faced by the public sector in securing climate funding, with representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministries of Planning and Agriculture participating to strengthen national institutional and technical capabilities.
The forum underscored the private sector’s crucial role as a strategic partner in the green transition during a specialized session moderated by Mr. Mohamud Khadar, GCF Country Facilitator, which concentrated on promoting renewable energy investments.
Attendees examined the pioneering contributions of the Somali diaspora to the national economy, emphasizing the importance of coordinating between government and overseas communities to establish trust and attract foreign investment to environmentally sustainable projects.
The discussions concluded with a call for a participatory approach engaging all stakeholders to ensure environmental project sustainability, helping protect natural resources and secure livelihoods for communities impacted by droughts and floods.
The Ministry seeks through this initiative to convert current environmental challenges into concrete economic opportunities by developing high-quality project proposals that meet international standards, positioning Somalia at the cutting edge of green development.
The organization of this forum demonstrates Somalia’s commitment to advancing proactive financial planning, acknowledging that securing climate finance represents a cornerstone of national sovereignty and security. Establishing a genuine partnership between the population and the territory through dependable international funding channels constitutes not merely an environmental imperative but a progressive vision dedicated to preserving dignity and restoring agricultural and environmental prosperity, guaranteeing a secure future for subsequent generations in an evolving global context.
