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MOGADISHU — The Embassy of Germany in Somalia, in collaboration with the Berghof Foundation and the Somali Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, hosted the inaugural “Mogadishu Climate Talk” to address the critical nexus between climate change and peace and security in the country.
The forum in the capital brought together government officials and community representatives to debate how environmental pressures are fundamentally shaping Somalia’s future.
German Ambassador Sebastian Groth highlighted the stark injustice faced by Somalia, noting that the country is one of the most severely affected by shifting weather patterns despite contributing almost nothing to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Groth underscored the deliberate choice of venue: “Bringing [this conference] here underlines how relevant the nexus between security and climate change is, both for Somalia and for Germany.”
He stressed that rising temperatures, sea level rise, and changing rain patterns place immense strain on a society where 80 percent of the people depend on agriculture and pastoralism.
Speakers from across Somalia illustrated how droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall have not only destroyed livelihoods but have also fuelled disputes over land and water.
The Ambassador praised the Somali government’s progress and resilience in climate policy, citing its successful delivery of NDC 3.0, the development of an adaptation plan, and accessing the Green Climate Fund.
Groth also noted the encouraging level of cooperation between environmental directors in Mogadishu and the federal states, describing environmental policy as a sphere where collaboration remains effective despite political difficulties.
Facilitators from the Berghof Foundation, drawing on their extensive peacebuilding work in Somali regions, guided discussions that emphasised the importance of local knowledge, women’s leadership, and youth involvement in transforming environmental stress into opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation.
The event signals Germany’s commitment to a long-term partnership with Somalia, combining international support with community-driven approaches to jointly tackle climate and security challenges.
