MOGADISHU, Somalia — (HORNPOST) Somalia hosted its first Mogadishu Climate Talk, bringing together government officials, civil society representatives and international partners to examine how climate change is affecting peace, security and stability in the country.
The forum was organized by the German Embassy in Somalia in partnership with Somalia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Berghof Foundation.
It focused on the growing connections between environmental pressures, conflict and the challenges facing vulnerable communities.
German Ambassador Sebastian Groth emphasized the importance of addressing climate change alongside peacebuilding, describing the gathering as a dialogue on peace rather than simply an environmental conference.
The discussions reflected growing concern that drought, water scarcity, changing rainfall patterns and competition over natural resources can intensify existing tensions and undermine livelihoods, particularly among pastoralist and farming communities.
Somalia remains highly vulnerable to climate-related shocks, which can disrupt food production, displace families and place additional pressure on communities already affected by insecurity and economic hardship.
Participants examined the importance of cooperation between government institutions, local communities and international partners in responding to these interconnected challenges.
Climate resilience is increasingly recognized as an important component of peacebuilding, particularly in regions where communities depend heavily on natural resources and face recurring droughts and other extreme weather events.
The talks also highlighted the importance of developing responses that address both immediate humanitarian needs and the longer-term causes of vulnerability.
For Somalia, strengthening early-warning systems, improving access to water, supporting sustainable livelihoods and promoting cooperation over shared resources are among the measures that can help communities better withstand climate shocks.
The Mogadishu forum formed part of broader efforts to connect climate action with peace and security across the Horn of Africa, a region where environmental pressures can compound existing political, economic and humanitarian challenges.
The event underscored the need for sustained cooperation and practical action to ensure that climate-related pressures do not further undermine peace and stability in Somalia.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
MOGADISHU, Somalia
