Somalia’s Deputy PM Advocates for Climate Finance as a Partnership for Lasting Change

 

Belem, Brazil — At the sidelines of the COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil, Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama delivered a compelling message about the role of climate finance in global sustainability. Addressing a high-level event marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, Jama emphasized that climate financing should be recognized not as charity, but as a partnership aimed at achieving long-term transformation.

“Climate finance is not charity, it is cooperation aimed at transformation and lasting solutions,” the deputy premier stated, calling on international partners to strengthen support for Somalia’s climate initiatives. His remarks underscored the importance of equitable collaboration, highlighting that nations facing the most acute impacts of climate change, like Somalia, require meaningful investment and strategic partnerships to implement effective climate solutions.

Jama highlighted Somalia’s proactive stance on climate action, noting that the country had recently submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0. This plan aligns Somalia’s climate priorities with the broader objectives of the Paris Agreement and sets the stage for ambitious national action. By submitting the updated NDC, Somalia demonstrates its commitment to both adaptation and mitigation strategies, reinforcing its role as a responsible and engaged participant in the global climate agenda.

A key focus of Somalia’s climate strategy, according to Jama, is the NDC Financing Plan 2025–2035. This initiative aims to mobilize a combination of public investments, private sector capital, and international funding to support resilient and green economic growth. By integrating financial resources with actionable climate strategies, Somalia seeks to build systems that can withstand environmental shocks, create sustainable livelihoods, and foster long-term economic recovery.

Deputy Prime Minister Jama also highlighted the broader implications of climate finance for peace and stability. In countries like Somalia, where fragile ecosystems intersect with socio-economic vulnerabilities, investment in climate adaptation directly contributes to national stability. By addressing environmental challenges proactively, governments can mitigate risks of displacement, food insecurity, and resource-based conflict, creating conditions for sustainable development and security.

“Only through equitable partnerships and meaningful investment can nations like Somalia play their full part in addressing the climate emergency,” Jama stressed. His message resonates with the global understanding that climate change is a collective challenge, requiring solidarity, shared responsibility, and innovative financial solutions that empower vulnerable countries to act decisively.

The COP30 summit provides a platform for nations to collaborate, share knowledge, and reinforce commitments to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. Somalia’s presence and active participation demonstrate the country’s dedication to climate leadership despite facing significant developmental and environmental challenges. Jama’s advocacy highlights that the path to climate resilience is rooted not in aid or charity, but in partnership, accountability, and strategic investment.

As the world grapples with increasingly severe climate impacts, Somalia’s approach offers a clear blueprint: combine ambitious national strategies with international support, ensure transparency in climate finance, and focus on partnerships that drive long-term sustainability. In doing so, Somalia not only protects its own communities but contributes meaningfully to the global fight against climate change.