BELÉM, Brazil – Somalia’s push for climate justice took center stage in Belém as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, led by Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, held a series of meaningful discussions with Somali civil society representatives from the disability community. The meetings, organized on the sidelines of the COP30 Climate Change Conference, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that climate action protects and uplifts every segment of society.
Lt. Gen. Jama met with several influential Somali advocates who are shaping global conversations around inclusion. Among them was Fardowsa Mohamud Mohamed of the Somali Women Disability Empowerment organization, a leading voice working to secure the rights of women with disabilities. She emphasized that engaging people with special needs is not simply an additional consideration—it is essential to building fair and lasting climate resilience.
The minister also held a dedicated session with Abdirahman Mohamud Kulane, founder of UDHAN and Director of the Somali Association of the Blind (SAP). Widely respected for promoting climate solutions that leave no one behind, Kulane has brought international attention to the unique climate risks faced by people with visual impairments and the need for adaptation strategies that are accessible to all.
In Belém, the minister expressed deep appreciation for the Somali delegation’s strong and consistent advocacy for disability inclusion at COP30. Officials reiterated that Somalia’s climate policies—both at home and abroad—must reflect the voices, experiences, and needs of the country’s most vulnerable groups, ensuring that the path toward a greener future is shared by all.
