Dr. Abdirahman Said: A Champion for Somalia’s Resilience and Dignity

Dr. Abdirahman Said is a remarkable humanitarian activist, policy advisor and climate-displacement researcher who has dedicated his career to addressing the complex and long-standing crises facing Somalia. His work is driven by a deep commitment to finding sustainable solutions that empower communities and build a more resilient, prosperous and dignified future for his country.

At the heart of Dr. Said’s efforts is his work as the founder of the Riiro Think Tank Firm and as the Country Director of Living Hope Foundation (LHF). Through LHF, he spearheads vital, community-driven programs that focus on improving livelihoods, building climate resilience, and fostering peace.

These initiatives are not just top-down solutions; they are designed to be led by the very people they serve, particularly youth and women, ensuring that the peacebuilding process is inclusive and sustainable.

Beyond his grassroots work, Dr. Said is a respected voice in national and international policy circles. As a Resilience Advisor at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and former Program Advisor for the NCRI, he has played a crucial role in shaping Somalia’s response to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

He has been a key representative for Somalia at major global forums, including the UNFCCC COP climate negotiations, where he has passionately advocated for loss and damage and financial justice for vulnerable communities.

His advocacy highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on countries like Somalia, which have contributed the least to the crisis but are suffering the most, One of his most significant contributions has been his involvement in the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) process and the Global Refugee Forum (GRF).

Dr. Said was instrumental in advancing Somalia’s commitments, particularly by championing the inclusion of forcibly displaced communities in national development planning.

Additionally, He has consistently fought to ensure that refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups are not an afterthought but are central to the nation’s climate frameworks and long-term strategies.

His work has shifted the conversation, making it clear that a truly resilient Somalia must be one that fully integrates and supports all its people, regardless of their circumstances.

Further, Dr. Said’s work is guided by a powerful vision: A Somalia that is not only resilient to external shocks but also lives in harmony and dignity with itself and its neighbors He tirelessly works to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that high-level commitments translate into tangible improvements on the ground.

At a recent panel hosted by the Global Center on Adaptation, Dr. Said delivered a sobering yet hopeful message, warning of the disproportionate effects climate change has on countries like Somalia where three decades of crisis have left communities with little protection from environmental shocks.

“Somalia stands on the frontlines of the climate emergency not because of our emissions, but because of global inaction, We are seeing climate change deepen displacement, undermine food systems, and unravel social cohesion. Our people need more than temporary relief they need justice, investment, and the right to shape their future”, said Dr. Said.

Through the Living Hope Foundation, Dr. Said leads programmes that empower local communities particularly youth and women to take ownership of their development pathways.

These efforts include: Promoting climate-smart livelihoods and regenerative agriculture to counter drought and food insecurity.Facilitating youth-led peacebuilding forums in areas affected by violence and displacement.

Supporting women-led climate resilience cooperatives, fostering leadership in environmental stewardship and Partnering with local authorities and traditional leaders to integrate displacement-affected communities into urban planning and service delivery.

“We must move from managing crises to shaping futures. A resilient Somalia is one where youth have opportunities, women lead with confidence and displaced people are not forgotten but are part of the solution. The time for action is now.”

His multifaceted approach, blending humanitarian action with strategic policy advocacy, makes him a pivotal figure in Somalia’s ongoing journey toward stability and self-sufficiency.