President Mohamud Calls for Climate Justice and Urgent Support for Vulnerable Nations at COP31

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ANTALYA: Federal Republic of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has urged wealthy nations to take greater responsibility for the effects of climate change, calling for fairer climate financing and stronger support for vulnerable countries during his address to world leaders at the COP31 summit in Türkiye.

President Mohamud said Somalia, despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, continues to bear the consequences of a climate crisis it has done little to create, with recurring droughts and floods threatening livelihoods, displacing communities and worsening food insecurity.

He called on the international community to mobilise $6.3 billion for Somalia by 2035 to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to climate-related disasters and build long-term resilience.

The president challenged wealthier countries and those historically responsible for the largest share of global emissions to meet their obligations by providing meaningful financial support to developing nations facing the harshest effects of climate change.

A central part of his address focused on the need to change how international climate financing is delivered, particularly for countries facing recurring humanitarian emergencies.

He urged international partners to release disaster-prevention funds as soon as weather forecasts indicate an impending crisis, rather than waiting until droughts, floods or other disasters have caused widespread damage.

President Mohamud said early financing would enable governments to prepare communities, protect lives and livelihoods, safeguard livestock and reduce the humanitarian and economic costs of climate-related emergencies.

He also called for climate funding to be provided through direct grants rather than loans, warning that additional borrowing could place further pressure on developing countries already facing significant economic constraints.

The president further urged international financial institutions and climate funds to simplify their application procedures and make financing more accessible, arguing that support should reflect the vulnerability of individual countries rather than impose uniform requirements.

Somalia has experienced repeated climate shocks in recent years, with prolonged droughts devastating pastoral livelihoods and floods damaging farmland, infrastructure and settlements. The disasters have contributed to displacement and increased pressure on food security and humanitarian assistance.

Through his COP31 address, Hassan Sheikh called for a shift from international climate commitments to practical support, arguing that vulnerable countries need timely, accessible and predictable financing to prepare for disasters rather than rely primarily on emergency assistance after they strike.

Editorial note: This version gives greater