To strengthen Somalia’s ability to adapt to increasing climate risks, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), through its Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL), has collaborated with the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) to support the “National Climate Risk Analysis for Adaptation Decision Making in Somalia.” This study aims to equip national and local institutions with the knowledge and tools to better understand climate risks and make informed, cost-effective decisions for adaptation planning. As part of this effort, an inception workshop was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 14–15 April 2025.

The two-day workshop included 25 participants from Somali local government institutions and international and national NGOs working in Somalia and Kenya. Participants also included representatives from local universities, civil society organizations, and development partners. The sessions introduced participants to the Economics of Climate Adaptation (ECA) framework for national climate risk assessment.

A key focus of the workshop was training participants on the CLIMADA modeling platform—an open-source tool developed to quantify climate risks and estimate the benefits of various adaptation strategies. In addition to CLIMADA training, the workshop provided foundational knowledge on Climate and Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (CDRFI), offering insights into innovative financial solutions that can help buffer communities against climate shocks.

The workshop also laid the groundwork for the national climate analysis by establishing a shared understanding of the project’s scope and timeline. Participants collaboratively discussed and refined key elements of the upcoming assessment, including the geographical focus, priority sectors, key assets, and climate hazards to be analyzed. The sessions were designed to foster ownership among Somali stakeholders while aligning technical analysis with on-the-ground realities. This workshop represents a critical step forward in Somalia’s path toward climate-informed planning by fostering technical skills, promoting collaboration, and aligning stakeholders around a shared vision.

Further information here