ANTALYA, Türkiye (HornPost) — Somalia has registered a delegation of 459 participants for the COP31 climate change conference in Antalya, Türkiye, according to data published by climate research outlet Carbon Brief.
The delegation includes government officials and other participants. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is leading Somalia’s participation at the international climate summit, which runs from November 9 to 20, 2026.
The president attended the conference and addressed world leaders on the growing effects of climate change. He called on the international community to honour its climate commitments and provide greater support to countries facing severe environmental challenges.
President Hassan Sheikh Calls for Greater Climate Support
During his address, Hassan Sheikh highlighted Somalia’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters, particularly prolonged droughts and devastating floods.
He noted that Somalia contributes relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions but faces serious consequences from climate change.
The president urged countries with greater responsibility for global emissions to take stronger action. He also called for increased international support to help vulnerable nations respond to environmental challenges.
His participation forms part of Somalia’s efforts to attract climate finance, strengthen international partnerships and promote national environmental priorities.
Somalia’s Large Delegation Draws Attention
The reported figure of 459 participants has attracted attention because of the size of Somalia’s delegation.
Carbon Brief published its analysis using provisional participant lists from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The figures cover different categories of registered participants.
Somalia’s official COP31 delegation portal identifies President Hassan Sheikh as head of delegation. It also lists First Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama and Environment and Climate Change Minister Bashir Mohamed Jama among the senior officials.
Other participants include government representatives and technical experts working on climate policy, negotiations and environmental programmes.
Questions Over the Selection of Participants
The size of Somalia’s delegation has also raised questions about how authorities select people for international conferences and training programmes.
Critics have accused some government institutions of using international invitations and training opportunities to facilitate travel for individuals who may not have direct responsibilities related to the events.
Some have further alleged that certain participants receive travel visas through official invitations without contributing meaningfully to the conference.
However, these allegations have not been independently verified. There is also no publicly established evidence that the 459 registered participants travelled primarily for immigration or other unofficial purposes.
The government has not provided a detailed public breakdown explaining the selection criteria for every participant included in the reported figure.
COP31 Focuses on Global Climate Challenges
COP31 is the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference. It brings together government representatives, climate experts, international organisations and civil society groups.
The conference provides a platform for countries to discuss climate policies, emissions reduction, adaptation and financial support for vulnerable nations.
For Somalia, participation offers an opportunity to highlight the effects of droughts and floods while seeking international support for climate resilience and environmental protection.
The size and composition of the Somali delegation, however, have renewed public interest in transparency and accountability in the use of official international travel opportunities.
HornPost Staff Reporter
Hargeisa News Desk
