Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO) is pleased to be one of the sponsors of the Puntland Climate Security Conference, which took place in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia, at the Grand Hotel between December 20 and 21, 2023.
With support of partners including Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO), Ministry of Environment, Rangeland and Climate Change of State of Puntland in Somalia organized a two-day Puntland Climate Security Conference in which was discussed the effects of climate change in Puntland, the role of youth and civil society organizations in reducing the effects of climate change, raising awareness, and strengthening collaboration and partnerships toward prevention and mitigation of climate change crisis.
The conference was attended by representatives from the civil society, international organizations operating in Puntland, scholars, academics, universities, businessmen and women groups. And it was officially opened by the Minister of Environment, Rangeland and Climate Change H.E. Ahmed Yusuf.
Apart from the sponsorship, Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO) has taken an active role in the presentations, information sharing, and discussions of the conference. Technical team from the PUNTNGO presented some important studies and resources including a short presentation summarizing how the climate change impacts trigger competition over natural resources, insecure livelihoods, and mass displacement, increasing the risk of social tensions and instability.
Mr. Abdirahman Hassan Mohamed, a prominent climate change activist and member of the Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO), also presented some notable studies and best practices at the conference, including a presentation about environmental and climate change challenges in Somalia. This presentation briefly presented the environmental problems, including deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, and desertification, which are key issues contributing to the severity of the climate crisis in Somalia. The presentation also highlighted the community groups who are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as women, youth, and other marginalized groups in Somalia.
Furthermore, PUNTNGO participated in the panel discussions, especially a panel entitled “Strengthening Partnerships and Networking for Climate Change Adaptation,” and recommended continued similar conferences, forums, and discussions on climate change security, as well as the establishment of a forum that brings together all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and partnerships among diverse climate change stakeholders in Puntland.
Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO) is committed to actively taking a role in addressing climate change challenges and organizing information sharing and coordination mechanisms among the members working on climate change projects in Puntland.
Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO) appreciates its technical team, including Mr. Abdirahman Hassan, Mr. Said Riin, and other members of civil society, such as Ms. Nasra Abdirizak from WIMISOM, Mr. Mukhatar Hirsi from PDRC, and Mr. Abdikhayr Hussein from Bareedo Platform, for their contributions to the conference as well as the panel discussions.
The Communique of the Conference can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/DaljirMultimedia/videos/872375391349381
