Germany Leads First Mogadishu Climate Talk on Peace, Security and Environment

MOGADISHU, Somalia - For the first time, a Climate Talk was held in Mogadishu under the auspices of the Embassy of Germany in Nairobi. Organised in cooperation with the Berghof Foundation and the Somali Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the event placed a spotlight on how climate change, peace and security are closely connected in Somalia, with eminent dangers if not addressed head-on.

Opening the event, the German Ambassador to Somalia, Sebastian Groth, welcomed participants and explained why Germany decided to bring the Climate Talk to Mogadishu after previous meetings in Nairobi and Mombasa. “It is a real pleasure to welcome you to this first Climate Talk in Mogadishu. This series of conferences normally takes place in Nairobi or Mombasa, but bringing it here underlines how relevant the nexus between security and climate change is, both for Somalia and for Germany.”

The one-day event took place at the Decale Hotel and it gathered Somali government officials, representatives of federal member states, peacebuilders, international partners and community voices. Discussions pointed to how climate pressures are deepening existing tensions over land and water, while at the same time offering entry points for cooperation through joint environmental projects.

Ambassador Groth reminded participants of Somalia’s vulnerability despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. “Somalia contributes almost nothing to global emissions, yet it is one of the countries most severely affected by climate change. Rising temperatures, sea level rise and changing rain patterns put immense strain on a society where 80 percent of people depend on agriculture and pastoralism.”

Climate Talk was designed not only to examine the challenges of climate security but also to recognise Somalia's leadership in shaping climate policy and action. Acknowledging this role, Ambassador Groth praised the government’s achievements: “for the impressive steps already taken, from delivering NDC 3.0 to developing an adaptation plan and accessing the Green Climate Fund. Achieving these goals with such a small team in such a difficult context is remarkable.”

He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between national and regional institutions. “I am encouraged to hear how well the exchange between environmental directors in Mogadishu and the federal states is functioning. Even when political cooperation is difficult, environmental policy is proving to be a space where collaboration is possible and effective.”

The Berghof Foundation, Germany’s implementing partner for the conference, ensured that the programme was rooted in local experiences drawn from peacebuilding networks with which Berghof is already working and that are established in the regions. Its facilitators guided panel discussions and drew on lessons from their work in federal member states to show the value of peacebuilding strategies that integrate local knowledge, youth participation and women’s leadership. Janel Galvanek, Head of Berghof’s Regional Peace Support Department, worked alongside Somali experts and community leaders to explore how grassroots experiences can inform national strategies and shape debates at international platforms such as COP 30 and the UN.

By convening the Climate Talk in Mogadishu, Germany reinforced its role as a strong partner to Somalia in tackling climate-driven instability. The event also highlighted how cooperation between government institutions, international partners and local peacebuilders can turn environmental challenges into opportunities for dialogue, resilience and peace.