MOGADISHU — H.E. Ahmed Omar Mohamed, State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, officially opened the “National Climate Finance Forum,” organized in collaboration with the National Climate Fund (NCF) to chart a comprehensive national strategy for sustainability.
According to the Ministry’s official Facebook page, the forum features exceptional participation from government institutions, the private sector, and civil society, alongside an active involvement of youth and women to strengthen national cohesion against environmental crises.
The forum seeks to formulate an ambitious roadmap aimed at enhancing mechanisms for accessing international climate funds and developing management systems aligned with state strategic plans for climate adaptation and mitigation.
Mr. Liban Obsiye, Director of the National Climate Fund, emphasized in remarks shared on the Ministry’s official Facebook page the importance of building a unified, transparent, and professional national model to attract major global investments and direct them toward urgent developmental projects.
The State Minister highlighted that Somalia holds promising opportunities despite climate fluctuations, asserting that solid financial partnerships are the driving force for supporting local communities and protecting the most vulnerable through sustainable infrastructure.
Technical sessions included a detailed presentation by Ms. Ayan Harare, Coordinator of the National Climate Finance Unit, who explored the global climate finance architecture, highlighting the competitive advantages that qualify Somalia for a fair share of these funds.
The forum also featured a pivotal panel discussion on overcoming obstacles for the public sector in accessing climate funds, with participation from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministries of Planning and Agriculture to bolster national institutional and technical efficiency.
In a related context, the forum highlighted the vital role of the private sector as a strategic partner in the green transition through a specialized session moderated by Mr. Mohamud Khadar, GCF Country Facilitator, focusing on stimulating renewable energy investments.
Participants reviewed the pioneering role of the Somali diaspora in supporting the national economy, stressing the importance of integrating efforts between the government and overseas communities to build trust and attract foreign capital to eco-friendly projects.
The deliberations concluded with the need to adopt a participatory approach involving all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of environmental projects, contributing to protecting natural resources and securing livelihoods for communities affected by drought and floods.
The Ministry aims through this movement to transform current environmental challenges into tangible economic opportunities by preparing high-quality project proposals that meet the highest international standards, positioning Somalia at the forefront of green growth.
The convening of this forum reflects Somalia’s firm resolve to transition toward proactive financial planning, recognizing that securing climate finance is a pillar of national sovereignty and security. Building a genuine partnership between the people and the land through reliable international funding channels is not just an environmental necessity but a civilized vision aimed at preserving dignity and restoring agricultural and environmental prosperity, ensuring a secure future for coming generations in a changing world.
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