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MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change today marked World Environment Day through an official celebration that brought together government officials, academic institutions, civil society organizations, youth groups, women, persons with disabilities, and representatives from across society, highlighting a shared commitment to environmental protection and climate action.
The event was officially opened by the Ministry’s Director General, Abdirizak Ahmed Ali, who welcomed participants and described World Environment Day as an important national opportunity to renew commitments toward protecting natural resources and raising awareness about the growing impacts of climate change.
He noted that the occasion reflects the unity of Somali society around a common goal of building a greener and more sustainable future, emphasizing that environmental protection is no longer a choice but a necessity for safeguarding the wellbeing of present and future generations.
The event featured contributions from academic leaders, including Professor Dr. Mohamed Mohamoud Hassan “Biday,” Rector and President of Benadir University, who highlighted the vital role of universities in addressing environmental challenges through research, knowledge generation, innovation, and the development of skilled professionals capable of advancing sustainable solutions.
For his part, Mahad Abdi Farah Barawé, Director of Water, Environment and Climate Change Affairs for the Banadir Regional Administration, stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships between public institutions and local communities in tree planting, environmental awareness, and public cleanliness initiatives, noting that climate-resilient cities can only be built through broad community participation.
Speaking during the event, Member of the Federal Parliament and the President’s Special Envoy for Health Affairs, Abdirahman Mohamed Sheikh, underscored the close relationship between environmental protection and public health, warning that environmental degradation and climate change have direct consequences for human wellbeing and access to essential services.
Representing the Federal Member States, Dahir Mohamed, Director of Environment and Climate Change for Galmudug State, said regional administrations continue to implement community-based initiatives and awareness programs aimed at protecting the environment, expanding green spaces, and encouraging public participation in climate action.
The event also provided a platform for young voices, with Iqra Dahir Adan speaking on behalf of Somali children. She emphasized that climate change directly affects children’s education, health, and future prospects, calling for greater inclusion of young people in environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives.
Meanwhile, Hafsa Omar Abdullahi, Director of the Environment Department at the Ministry, stated that climate action and environmental protection remain among the Ministry’s highest priorities, highlighting the growing engagement of Somali communities in environmental conservation efforts.
The ceremony was officially concluded by the State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ahmed Mohamed Omar, who commended the broad participation from different sectors of society and emphasized that environmental protection is a shared responsibility requiring sustained cooperation among government institutions, development partners, and local communities.
Participants concluded the event by reaffirming their commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at reducing the impacts of climate change and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources in order to build a safer and more resilient future for coming generations.
This year’s World Environment Day observance comes as Somalia continues to face mounting environmental and climate-related challenges, including droughts, floods, land degradation, and loss of vegetation cover. The occasion serves as an important platform for mobilizing collective action and strengthening public awareness of the critical role environmental protection plays in sustainable development, food security, public health, and long-term resilience.
