Hassan Sheikh delivers a speech on droughts and floods in Somalia at COP31

ANTALYA, Turkey – The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh, participated on Thursday in the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), which opened in the city of Antalya in Turkey, calling on the international community to fulfill commitments regarding addressing climate change.

The President emphasized in a speech at the conference the importance of turning international commitments into effective actions, particularly in supporting countries severely affected by the challenges posed by climate change. Hassan Sheikh stated that Somalia, despite having a very small share of global air pollution, is among the countries severely affected by prolonged droughts and floods.

He noted that it is time for the countries largely responsible for climate change to lead efforts to mitigate its impact, while also providing financial and technical support to vulnerable countries. The President highlighted the need for climate justice, as developing countries have recently called for developed industrial nations to take greater responsibility in addressing the crisis, given their significant contribution to air pollution.

Somalia has faced recurring droughts and severe floods in recent years, which have caused displacement, property destruction, and worsened the living conditions of many communities, especially those dependent on agriculture and livestock. Changes in rainfall patterns and unpredictable climate conditions have also increased the country's vulnerability, with their impact placing additional strain on humanitarian efforts and national development.

Hassan Sheikh's participation in COP31 comes at a time when Somalia is seeking international cooperation and additional funding to strengthen the country's capacity to adapt to climate change, prevent disasters, and protect communities severely affected by droughts and floods. The COP31 conference is

Participating are the leaders of governments, representatives from various countries, climate experts, and international organizations, who are discussing the reduction of air pollution emissions, adaptation to climate change, and funding efforts to address its impacts.

The President emphasized in a speech at the conference the importance of turning international commitments into effective actions, particularly in supporting countries that are severely affected by the challenges arising from climate change.

Hassan Sheikh stated that Somalia, despite having a very small share of global air pollution emissions, is among the countries that are severely affected by prolonged droughts and floods.

He noted that it is time for the countries that are largely responsible for climate change to lead efforts to mitigate its impacts, while also providing financial and technical support to vulnerable countries.

The President expressed the need for climate justice, as developing countries have recently called for developed industrial countries to take greater responsibility in addressing the issue, given their significant contribution to air pollution emissions.

Somalia has faced recurring droughts and severe floods in recent years, which have caused displacement, property destruction, and worsened the living conditions of many communities, especially those dependent on agriculture and livestock.

Changes in rainfall patterns and unpredictable climate conditions have also increased the country's vulnerability, with their impacts placing additional burdens on humanitarian efforts and national development.