Deputy PM Jama Urges Stronger Community Role in Building Somalia’s Climate Resilience

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama on Wednesday opened the Second Somali Disaster Resilience Conference in Mogadishu, calling for greater community involvement in addressing the country’s growing vulnerability to climate shocks and natural disasters.

The two-day meeting, held under the theme “The Role of Communities in Responding to Disasters and Climate Change,” aims to highlight how local participation can strengthen national resilience and improve disaster preparedness.

Jama said empowering local communities is essential to safeguarding lives and livelihoods as Somalia faces recurrent droughts, floods, and other climate-related crises. “Resilience begins at the community level — it is where early response and long-term recovery take root,” he said.

The conference is jointly organized by the Somali National Disaster Management Authority (SoDMA) and the University of Mogadishu, with support from Plan International. It has drawn ministers, development partners, civil society representatives, and academics to discuss coordinated approaches to disaster management.

Officials said the discussions will focus on sharing experiences, promoting local leadership, and strengthening collaboration between government institutions and communities in building a more resilient Somalia.