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MOGADISHU – The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) held a national consultative meeting in Mogadishu focused on strengthening preparedness for potential risks associated with the Super El Niño phenomenon and discussing ways to expand the participation of women-led organizations in disaster risk management and mitigation efforts. The meeting was part of Somalia’s efforts to promote a proactive approach based on prevention and early preparedness rather than relying solely on response after crises occur.
The meeting comes at a time when Somalia is facing increasing climate challenges affecting communities and livelihoods. National institutions are working to develop a more effective system capable of forecasting and responding to risks through stronger coordination among government institutions, humanitarian partners and local communities. Discussions emphasized the importance of advance planning, strengthening institutional readiness, and using accurate information and early warning systems to reduce losses and protect lives and property.
The consultation brought together officials from federal government institutions, Director Generals from the Ministries of Interior, Finance and Environment, representatives from the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, religious scholars, women-led organizations and humanitarian partners. Participants discussed ways to unify national perspectives, strengthen coordination among various sectors and establish joint mechanisms to address the potential impacts of extreme climate events.
SoDMA Chairman Mohamud Moalim Abdulle stated that Somalia is facing growing climate challenges that have made it one of the countries most affected by climate change. He stressed that early preparedness has become a national necessity to protect communities and reduce disaster impacts. He explained that effective disaster response depends on the availability of accurate data, efficient early warning systems and the ability of institutions and communities to take proactive measures before crises occur.
Mohamud Moalim Abdulle highlighted that SoDMA is working to strengthen the concept of disaster risk management by shifting from emergency response alone toward an approach focused on prevention, preparedness and resilience building. He added that improving coordination among different sectors, developing contingency plans and increasing community participation are essential pillars for establishing a national system capable of addressing floods, flash floods, droughts and other climate-related risks.
The SoDMA Chairman emphasized the important role played by women-led organizations in disaster management, describing them as key partners in reaching local communities, raising awareness and supporting the most vulnerable groups during crises. He noted that expanding women’s participation strengthens the inclusiveness of the national response and allows Somalia to benefit from the experiences and contributions of all segments of society in addressing humanitarian and climate challenges.
The meeting addressed several issues related to strengthening national emergency plans, improving coordination between government institutions and humanitarian organizations, enhancing forecasting and early warning capacities, and increasing public awareness of climate risks. Participants stressed that addressing the impacts of El Niño and other climate challenges requires broad national partnerships involving the Federal Government, federal member states, humanitarian organizations, women-led groups and local communities. They noted that the outcomes of the meeting would contribute to strengthening national disaster preparedness policies and enhancing Somalia’s resilience.
It is worth noting that Somalia has faced decades of recurring climate and humanitarian crises, including severe droughts and sudden floods that have affected millions of people and their livelihoods. These challenges have highlighted the urgent need to establish an integrated national system based on prevention, early preparedness and effective disaster risk management before crises escalate.
As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify globally, disaster risk management has become an essential component of state-building efforts and community security. In this context, the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) continues to strengthen its capacities, expand national and humanitarian partnerships, and promote a culture of preparedness to protect lives and property while enhancing Somalia’s ability to face future challenges with greater resilience and more effective response mechanisms.
