SWECC had the significant privilege of attending the first week of COP28, a pivotal two-week event held from November 30 to December 12, 2023, at Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) brought together global leaders and stakeholders from 197 countries and welcomed over 70,000 participants. The conference underscored the crucial need for international collaboration in combating climate change and marked the first time the transition from fossil fuels was officially recognized.

During COP28, we engaged in a wide range of sessions, gaining valuable insights into women-led initiatives, award-winning regional climate adaptation strategies, the role of civil society organizations, innovative technologies, gender-responsive policies, and sustainable practices. A highlight was COP28’s Gender Equality Day, which featured a key partnership launch aimed at supporting women’s economic empowerment and ensuring a gender-responsive transition to a sustainable future. This initiative highlighted the essential role of women in climate action and the importance of gender-responsive policies in advancing sustainability.

We are deeply grateful for the financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), as well as accreditation support from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Their assistance made our participation at COP28 possible.

Reflecting on the lessons learned, it is clear that inclusive participation, particularly by women and youth, is vital for advancing global climate goals. The Somali delegation’s experiences and insights will be shared with the community and beyond, driving forward climate action and sustainable development initiatives. This commitment to leveraging global platforms for local impact exemplifies the potential of collective efforts in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time