Somalia pushes for a fair, inclusive climate transition at COP30
Somalia has renewed its call for an inclusive and equitable climate transition as the Director-General of the Ministry of Environment participated in a high-level COP30 session on Just Transition.
Somalia has renewed its call for fair and inclusive climate solutions on the global stage after the Director-General of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Abdirizaq Ahmed Ali, participated in a high-level dialogue on Just Transition during the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30).
The session, held as part of ongoing global negotiations on climate finance, adaptation, and equitable energy transformation, brought together ministers, technical experts, and international partners to discuss how developing nations can navigate climate transition without exacerbating socio-economic inequalities.
Delivering a detailed address, the Director-General said Somalia’s national environmental and climate frameworks clearly outline the importance of adopting a Just Transition approach, one that allows the country to shift toward low-carbon and climate-resilient development without undermining livelihoods or leaving vulnerable groups behind. He explained that Somalia, a nation disproportionately affected by climate shocks despite contributing minimally to global emissions, requires a transition model that reflects its unique vulnerabilities and development priorities.
Abdirizaq Ahmed Ali stressed that communities living in fragile environments, pastoralists, women, youth, and displaced populations must receive targeted support as the country and the wider region move toward climate-friendly systems. He emphasized that ensuring such communities benefit from this transition is not only a moral obligation but also a key pillar for national stability and resilience.
Central to his remarks was the urgent need for increased climate financing, particularly grants and accessible funding mechanisms that allow Somalia to build climate-smart infrastructure, invest in renewable energy solutions, and strengthen its adaptation capacity. He called for stronger international partnerships that can facilitate technical training, skills development, and institutional capacity building, enabling Somali communities to participate fully in emerging green opportunities.
The Director-General also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry to integrate Just Transition principles into national strategies, including environmental protection policies, climate adaptation plans, and energy reforms. These efforts, he noted, demonstrate Somalia’s commitment to playing an active role in global climate governance while safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of its people.
He concluded by reaffirming that Somalia remains committed to working with regional bodies, development partners, and the international community to ensure that the Just Transition is **equitable, inclusive, and capable of addressing long-standing climate injustices**, particularly for nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
The high-level session marked an important moment for Somalia as it continues to strengthen its voice in global climate discussions and push for solutions that support both national development and global environmental sustainability.
