Somalia Highlights Climate Financing Needs for Climate-Resilient Livestock Systems at COP31

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Rang of the Federal Government of Somalia has held a special session at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, highlighting the role of climate finance in strengthening the resilience of the country’s livestock sector.

The session, titled “Climate Finance for Developing a Climate-Resilient Livestock System in Somalia,” focused on mobilizing climate financing, developing livestock systems capable of withstanding climate change impacts and protecting the livelihoods of Somali pastoral communities.

Minister of Livestock, Forestry and Range Hassan Hussein Mohamed (Eelay) delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of climate finance, strengthening national adaptation capacity and improving the country’s livestock production systems.

The discussion brought together the Ministry’s Director General, Dr. Guled Abdijaliil Sheikh Ali; Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, Abdirizak Ali Ibrahim; and Dr. Bradley Hiller, a climate change specialist at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The Ministry’s Director of Planning, Coordination and Policy Development, Abdirahman Mohamed Hassan, moderated the session.

Participants examined climate finance opportunities, stronger cooperation between government institutions and development partners, and ways to build a more resilient livestock sector capable of addressing climate-related challenges, particularly drought, water scarcity and their effects on livestock and pastoral livelihoods.

The session provided Somalia with an opportunity to present its climate financing priorities and highlight the importance of strengthening livestock production, protecting natural resources and safeguarding the livelihoods of communities heavily dependent on pastoralism.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to developing a sustainable and climate-resilient livestock sector that contributes to economic growth, food security and improved livelihoods across Somalia.