By Hussien Mohamed Yusuf

This year, I had the privilege of attending for the first time in Garowe the Annual Peace Conference organized by the Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC), which focused on the theme “Climate Change, Peace, and Security.” The theme could not have been more timely, given Somalia’s heightened vulnerability to climate variability and environmental shocks. Recurrent droughts, floods, and resource competition have increasingly impacted livelihoods and contributed to tensions in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas. The conference provided an important platform to explore how climate change intersects with peacebuilding and security, highlighting that sustainable peace in Somalia cannot be achieved without addressing the environmental stressors that fuel fragility.

What made this year’s gathering particularly memorable was not only the richness of the discussions but also the spirit and professionalism of the PDRC team. The teamwork and commitment displayed by the organizers reflected the maturity of an institution that has earned the trust of communities and partners alike. I was especially impressed by the female staff members of PDRC, whose professionalism and leadership stood out in a context where such visibility is rare. Their presence was empowering and inspirational, representing the inclusive leadership Somalia urgently needs.

Intellectual Exchange, Panel Contribution, and Key Takeaways

The conference brought together researchers, policy experts, and practitioners from across Somalia as well as colleagues from, Ethiopia, Kenya, Europe and the United States. Through paper presentations, panel discussions, and informal conversations, participants examined the ways in which climate-induced risks are reshaping Somalia’s peace and security landscape. I had the honor of participating as a panelist in the session “Local and Transboundary Water Resources: Moving from Conflict to Cooperation.” I was privileged to share the stage with distinguished colleagues Prof. Abdi Bafo, Abdelkarim A. Hassan and Abdinur A. Jama. The session was moderated by Liban Farah.

In my intervention, I emphasized the importance of making use of all available water resources in the face of a changing climate. I argued that communities and governments need to adopt integrated approaches that balance local needs with cross-border realities, ensuring that water becomes a tool for cooperation rather than a driver of competition and conflict.

The panel also underscored that transboundary water management requires shared data, joint planning, and institutional trust. By adding my voice to this discussion, I stressed that water is at the heart of livelihoods in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, and thus must be managed equitably and inclusively. My reflections resonated with the broader theme of the conference, as climate change continues to intensify pressure on water resources, making proactive cooperation across local and national borders more urgent than ever.

Beyond my panel contribution, several other insights stood out across the conference: resilience building is central to long-term peace, women and youth must be meaningfully included in decision-making, research needs to translate into actionable programs on the ground, and regional collaboration is indispensable given the cross-border nature of climate impacts.

Equally important were the connections and friendships renewed during the event. I had the opportunity to interact with senior intellectuals, old friends, and colleagues from different parts of Somalia and beyond. These exchanges deepened my appreciation for the role of networks and knowledge-sharing in shaping practical solutions. The diversity of perspectives enriched the dialogue and underscored the importance of solidarity in confronting challenges that cut across communities and borders.

Attending the PDRC Annual Peace Conference in Garowe for the first time was both an enriching professional experience and a deeply personal reminder of the importance of dialogue in fragile contexts. The knowledge shared, the energy of participants, and the professionalism of the PDRC team left me inspired and hopeful. The empowerment and visibility of women within the organizing team were particularly striking, offering a glimpse of the inclusive Somalia that many aspire to see.

The conference reaffirmed that peacebuilding in Somalia cannot be separated from efforts to adapt to climate change and manage natural resources more equitably. My contribution as a panelist on water resources highlighted that sustainable cooperation over shared resources is not optional but essential for building resilience and preventing future conflict. Institutions like PDRC are playing a critical role in bridging the gap between research, practice, and policy, creating a space where solutions can be discussed and translated into action.

As I reflected on the discussions and connections made, I left with a renewed conviction that building resilience, fostering inclusivity, and investing in local institutions are key pathways to a peaceful and secure Somalia.

Hussien Mohamed Yusuf
Email: hussienm4@gmail.com
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Hussien is Climate Change and Resilience Professional based in Nairobi, Kenya