Dubai(Mogadishu24)-The Federal Government of Somalia was allocated a pavilion (Somali Pavilion) to facilitate constructive discussions between its leaders and partners, strategizing plans towards climate resilience at the COP28 Conference held in Dubai, UAE last week.

This special opportunity allowed Somali leaders to share their expertise and knowledge, promoting environmental resilience agendas.

At the Somali Pavilion, leaders launched the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to address climate change and adapt to climate impacts.

Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, alongside officials from the ministry and other government departments, held meetings with international organizations at the Somali Pavilion.

The meetings with organizations such as FAO, Save the Children, and others aimed at addressing climate change threats and discussing climate financing in Somalia to combat the extreme consequences of climate change.

“The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, together with Save the Children Somalia, drove essential discussions on the Gender lens & climate finance, highlighting the pivotal connection between climate action and fostering gender empowerment,” the Ministry said on its official account.

During these meetings at the Somali Pavilion, the federal government unveiled a five-year strategic plan for Somalia’s Environmental and Climate Change Agenda.

“Somalia unveils a comprehensive 2023-2028 strategic plan for the Environmental and Climate Change Agenda. The Somalia pavilion witnessed a fruitful panel discussion, with international partners actively engaged,” the Ministry of Environment said.

Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi announced that Somalia has been named a member of the Taskforce on Access to Climate Financing led by the government of the UK.

“I’m happy to announce that Somalia is now a pioneer member of the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance, led by the UK. This is a crucial step for a nation like ours, highlighting the urgent need for climate finance. A significant milestone and groundbreaking for enhancing access to vital support,” Minister Khadija said.

She highlighted the environmental consequences that Somalia faces every year and reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting action-based plans to address these challenges.

“Addressing challenges and outlining ambitious plans, we embark on a transformative journey towards accessible climate finance. Committed to global resilience and sustainability,” she added.

According to the Somali National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), the torrential rains and riverine floods have affected over 2.4 million people, including more than 700,000 displacement, and killed more than 120 individuals.