Baku, Azerbaijan – Mohamud Ma’allin Abdulle, Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Authority (SoDMA), delivered a crucial address at the COP29 international conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. As part of the Somali delegation, Commissioner Abdulle spoke at a key meeting focused on the anticipated impact of La Niña on the East African region and the consequent drought.
In his impactful speech, Commissioner Abdulle stressed the urgent need to take proactive measures to mitigate the predicted drought. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the emergency warning system and ensuring that warning messages effectively reach all those who could be affected by the severe weather conditions. “Now is the right time to act to prevent the severe consequences of the anticipated drought,” he emphasized.
The meeting was attended by high-level representatives, including the head of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and ministers from Djibouti and Ethiopia. The discussions centered on collaborative strategies to enhance regional resilience and preparedness for climate-related challenges.
Commissioner Abdulle’s address underscored Somalia’s commitment to building robust systems that can withstand climate shocks and protect vulnerable communities. He called for collective action and international support to implement effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
The COP29 conference serves as a critical platform for global leaders to discuss and address pressing climate issues. Somalia’s active participation in these discussions reflects its dedication to combating climate change and ensuring sustainable development for its people.
As the conference continues, the focus remains on forging partnerships and securing commitments that will enable countries like Somalia to build resilience against climate impacts and protect their citizens from the adverse effects of phenomena like La Niña.