Somali Climate Action Platform (SCAP) was officially launched in a landmark event that brought together key stakeholders committed to addressing the climate crisis in Somalia. The launch marked a significant step toward strengthening climate justice efforts by fostering collaboration between civil society organizations (CSOs), government institutions, and development partners.
The event highlighted the urgent need for action, with speakers emphasizing that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality affecting millions of Somalis. The recurring cycles of droughts and floods continue to devastate communities, disrupt livelihoods, and exacerbate food insecurity. Pastoralist communities, farmers, and coastal populations are particularly vulnerable. In addition, the lack of sufficient infrastructure and resources to cope with climate impacts further exacerbates vulnerability. SCAP aims to bridge gaps, enhance advocacy, and drive collective action to build a sustainable and climate-resilient Somalia.
In his remarks, Abdullahi Mohamed, SCAP Chairperson, underscored the platform’s role in mobilizing efforts toward climate justice, stating, “Climate change is a lived reality for millions of Somalis. The establishment of SCAP is a crucial step in ensuring that CSOs, government, and development partners work together for sustainable solutions.”
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with civil society and development partners. Director General Yussuf Samatar emphasized the ministry’s dedication to advancing climate justice, calling for strengthened partnerships to tackle climate challenges.
Representing the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), Charles Mwangi, Head of Programs and Research, echoed the urgency of the crisis, stating, “Climate change is an emergency that we must deal with now.”
Ummy Dubow, Care International Country Director for Somalia in her remarks highlighted that the idea behind SCAP was exciting, timely, and aligned with the Care’s vision for tackling climate change in Somalia and committed to work hand in hand with SCAP to achieve shared goals.
The launch event also featured insights from Ahmed Nur Yussuf, SCAP’s Executive Director, who highlighted the platform’s mission to drive coordinated climate action. He noted that SCAP will play a key role in amplifying local voices, mobilizing resources, and advocating for policies that support climate resilience.
Other speakers during the event were Amb. Gamal Hassan, Director IGAD Centre of Excellence for Climate Adaptation and Environmental Protection (ICECAEP), Gabrio Marinozzi, Senior Development Cooperation Officer at European Commission and Abdulkadir Mohamed, Deputy Director Somali NGO Consortium.
Present for the launch were the 12 founding member organizations including; Climate and Health Connect – CHC, Community Empowerment Hub – CEH, Gender Education Empowerment & Leadership Organization (GEELO), KAALO Aid and Development – KAALO, Organization for Sustainable Development Africa – OSDA, Save Somalia Women and Children – SSWC, Social-Life & Agriculture Development – SADO, Somalia Women and Child Care Association – SWCCA, Taakulo Somalia Community – TAAKULO, Udgoon Sustainable Development Initiative – USDI, Zamzam Foundation and Care International Somalia
The successful launch of SCAP marks the beginning of a transformative journey for climate action in Somalia. As the platform takes off, the commitment from stakeholders remains clear that Somalia must secure climate justice, and that requires collective effort.
About SCAP:
SCAP is a Platform that comprises members of nongovernmental organizations, united to address the causes and consequences of climate change both broadly and in targeted ways across Somalia. SCAPs Vision is “Communities free from climate change vulnerabilities, empowered to enhance their livelihoods and adapt within a changing climate.” Key concerns include the ongoing threats to livelihoods caused by climate change, the high vulnerability of Somalia communities, and the need to embrace diversity to strengthen advocacy, leverage collective strengths, and reinforce climate response efforts. The Platform is registered as a local NGO under the ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation
