Addis Ababa(Dawan Africa) - Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged world leaders to prioritize equitable climate financing and long-term investment in food systems, during his address at the opening of the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa on Monday.
In a speech delivered alongside global leaders and representatives from UN agencies, President Mohamud said Somalia is facing overlapping crises—including prolonged conflict, deepening food insecurity, and intensifying climate shocks—and cannot respond effectively without global cooperation.
“We call for international solidarity and equitable access to climate financing, innovation and technical assistance.” Said Mohamud.
Somalia, where over four million people face acute food insecurity, is seeking partnerships with development banks, UN agencies, private investors, and regional blocs. The president called for collaboration around “digital agriculture, agro logistics, climate adaptation and cross-border trade corridors that will unlock new pathways for our farmers and agribusiness.”
Agriculture remains the cornerstone of Somalia’s economy, contributing over 70% to GDP, employing nearly 80% of the population, and generating 85% of export earnings.
“For the Federal Republic of Somalia, agriculture is more than a sector—it is the lifeblood of our society, the foundation of our culture, and the key to our survival,” Mohamud said.
He highlighted Somalia’s National Transformation Plan and Agricultural Transformation Strategy as guiding frameworks for inclusive growth and resilience, led by the country’s productive sector ministries.
“Transforming agriculture is not a choice. But it is a moral obligation and a national necessity,” he told delegates.“Food systems transformation is not a theoretical ambition. It is a question of justice, survival, and sovereignty.”
The president also referenced Somalia’s international re-engagement following the successful completion of the HIPC debt relief process, noting the regained fiscal space and credibility for attracting investment.
“My administration remains firmly committed to building strong public institutions, decentralizing services, and entrenching inclusive governance,” he said.
Mohamud reiterated Somalia’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Great Green Wall Initiative, and regional integration frameworks such as the Kampala Declaration, East African Community (EAC), COMESA, and CAFTA.
The UNFSS+4 summit gathers global stakeholders to review national and international progress in reforming food systems amid intersecting crises of climate change, armed conflict, and widening inequality.
