Somalia Youth Climate Platform: Youth for Climate Action and Peace in Somalia
The Somalia Youth Climate Platform (SYCP) is a youth-led initiative, supported jointly by the Government of Sweden, UNDP, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and is committed to elevating the role of young people in tackling climate change, promoting environmental stewardship, and driving sustainable peace. Built on the belief that youth are not just victims of climate change but agents of transformative change, the platform provides the space, tools, and technical support to thrive.
In 2024, the Somalia Youth Climate Platform mobilised around 500 participants (35% women) from 46 youth organizations across all activities. With over 70% of Somalia’s population under 30, the SYCP aims to empower and mobilize the country’s greatest asset: its youth. These young people are organizing, educating, innovating, and advocating — not just for their future, but for the planet.
Objectives of the platform
At its core, the Somalia Youth Climate Platform focuses on four strategic objectives that guide all its interventions:
Capacity Building: The platform equips youth with technical knowledge and leadership skills through workshops, training programs, and peer-to-peer learning. From climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction to community-based solutions, young people are prepared to lead effectively at the local level.
Youth Perspective to Ignite Climate Action: Somali youth are using their voices to influence change. Through organized campaigns, dialogues, and policy advocacy, the platform supports youth to push for stronger climate action at the local, national, and international levels — including forums and conferences such as the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY), Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY), the Climate, Peace and Security Experts Academy and the Conference of the Parties (COPs). The platform has enabled youth to meaningfully contribute to key policies, including the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Youth Peace and Security (YPS) National Action Plan, National Transformation Plan (NTP), and discussions on Loss and Damage. These efforts ensured that youth voices were reflected in climate policy development and implementation. The NTP platform, for instance, engaged 418 youth (35% women).
Partnering Youth Institutions and Deepening Youth Engagement: The platform continues to expand its reach by fostering networking among youth-focused organisations and collaborating with key government institutions, private sector, academic institutions, and UN agencies. These partnerships play a vital role in aligning youth-led initiatives with national priorities, gaining recognition from national actors, and securing the support needed to scale their impact across Somalia.
Opportunities Created for Youth-Led Initiatives: The platform explores opportunities and mobilizes actions to reduce the risks of youth involvement in conflicts by providing technical support and connecting them with opportunities for socially responsible livelihood practices, start-ups for green businesses, internships for career growth, scholarships, etc., aiming to turn their dreams and creative ideas into impactful solutions.
“The biodiversity and blue economy workshop was an eye-opener. It deepened my understanding of how protecting our natural resources is key to a sustainable future and inspired me to share that knowledge and make a greater impact in my community,” says Omar Khalif Abdi, who represents the Somali Youth Volunteers for Development Association (SOYVDA).
From Local Roots to Global Reach
The platform is not just a network — it’s a catalyst for youth-led transformation. Its members are reforesting degraded land, cleaning beaches, raising awareness on the climate-peace nexus in their local communities, restoring coastal ecosystems, and challenging outdated systems that exclude youth from decision-making. They are proving that youth-led climate action is not only possible — it’s essential.
At the international level, Somali youth under the platform have become visible actors, presenting national positions at COP negotiations, engaging with UN bodies, and building partnerships across borders. Their work bridges the divide between climate action and peacebuilding in fragile contexts — showing that a just, green, and peaceful Somalia must be youth-driven.
“Attending COP28 motivated me to get more involved in climate activism and sustainable development. I connected with other young environmental leaders in Africa and around the world, received small grants, and started tree planting and awareness projects in schools. I’m proud to keep making a difference in my community,” says Najmo khalif Mohamed, who represents Somali women in Environment and Climate Change (SWECC).
Why this platform matters
The Somalia Youth Climate Platform fills a critical gap. It addresses the urgent need for youth engagement in climate policy and practice, especially in a country where climate change and insecurity are deeply intertwined. By investing in Somali youth, the platform is investing in scalable, sustainable, and community-rooted solutions.
For the partners supporting this Platform means backing a proven and growing platform with reach, vision, and credibility. It means building community climate resilience where it’s most needed — and empowering the next generation to protect what remains and restore what has been lost.
A Call to Action
The climate challenges in Somalia are real — but so is the hope. With the right support, Somali youth can reshape their future and that of their country. The Somalia Youth Climate Platform stands ready to expand its impact, deepen its partnerships, and ensure that youth are not just included — but leading.
Join the Movement
Visit our website: https://sycpsomalia.com/
