Islamic Relief, a UK-based charity group, has criticized the "shameful” reaction thus far, emphasizing the dire situation faced by the region due to climate change.

Despite accounting for just 0.1% of global carbon emissions, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya are disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change. People in the three countries are currently enduring the longest recorded drought, devastating crops and livestock and pushing millions of people into severe hunger.

Tragically, tens of thousands, half of them young children, have already lost their lives. An estimated 43 million people, surpassing the whole population of Canada, now require assistance, with nearly 2 million children in Somalia facing life-threatening severe malnutrition.

According to the U.N, more than 43 million people across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia continue to suffer through one of the worst droughts in recent history, caused by five consecutive seasons of poor rains.

Waseem Ahmad, CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide, expressed deep concern, stating, "It is shameful that much of the world continues to overlook the immense suffering in the Horn of Africa. The resilience of the people in the region is remarkable, but no one can endure five consecutive failed rainy seasons and the destruction of their entire means of survival. Despite contributing the least to climate change, they are facing its harshest consequences.”

The soaring cost of food has pushed the most vulnerable families to the brink. Moreover, the agricultural sector, which accounts for a significant portion of Somalia’s economy, has been decimated, and over 13 million cattle have perished. Recent flash floods have compounded the food shortages, affecting already-struggling communities.

Despite the gravity of the crisis, the UN-led humanitarian response plan for the region remains significantly underfunded, with less than a quarter of the required funding secured to save lives and rebuild livelihoods.

During the conference, Islamic Relief has pledged £15 million ($18.6 million), surpassing the commitments of some wealthier nations. Many affluent countries, despite being major carbon emitters, have failed to contribute adequate funds to address the crisis.

"As global leaders convene in New York, families in Somalia are forced to make impossible choices about which child will eat today. Lives are at stake during this conference. Aid has made a tangible difference when delivered, saving many lives and preventing parts of Somalia from descending into famine. However, it often arrives too late and in insufficient quantities. Now, funding is decreasing again, and the threat of famine remains very real,” added Mr. Ahmad.

He stressed the need for long-term investments in livelihoods, acknowledging that even with favorable rainfall this year, it will take several years for farmers and pastoralists to rebuild their lives and restore their crops and herds. Urging for swift and flexible commitments, Ahmad emphasized the importance of disbursing funds promptly to maximize their impact.

The U.N Secretary-General, António Guterres delivered a stark warning while make a pledge to raise $7 billion for the region.

"With "crisis atop of crisis” threatening millions in the Horn of Africa, the international community cannot afford to stand idly by,” said Mr. Guterres.

As vulnerable communities in the region continue to grapple with extreme challenges, the international community must rise to the occasion and address this urgent humanitarian crisis.