Mogadishu Environmental Summit 2024: A Collective Call for Climate Justice
The Mogadishu Environmental Summit 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Somalia’s journey toward climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Held at Jazeera Palace, the summit brought together over 400 diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, academics, private-sector leaders, environmental activists, and community representatives, committed to tackling Somalia’s pressing climate challenges.
The summit, themed “Climate Justice: Towards an Equitable and Resilient Future,” showcased the power of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in driving sustainable development. It featured dynamic panel discussions, engaging keynote speeches, and impactful exhibitions, all aimed at charting a path toward a greener Somalia.
Opening Session: Setting the Tone
The summit commenced with welcoming remarks from Abdilatif Hussein Omar, Director of MES/A4E. He underscored the urgency of collective action and collaboration in combating environmental degradation. Dr Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed, Rector of SIMAD University, officially opened the summit with an inspiring speech, emphasizing SIMAD’s leadership in advancing climate and environmental solutions. He highlighted the university’s unwavering commitment to equipping the next generation to tackle Somalia’s environmental challenges.
Also, Hafsa Abdullahi Omar, Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, officially opened and applauded the organizers’ efforts in supporting Somalia’s path to green and climate-resilient development. She emphasized aligning national priorities with global climate goals to build a sustainable future.
Panels That Sparked Dialogue and Action
The summit’s carefully curated panels delved into the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding climate justice in Somalia.
Panel I: Empowering Communities for Climate Action
This session explored the links between green jobs, sustainable livelihoods, and climate justice. Insights from experts like Kamal Adnan (Oxfam) and Bahja Ali Shuriye (SIMAD iLab) highlighted the importance of empowering local communities, fostering youth innovation, and building green skills to accelerate the transition to a green economy.
Panel II: Bridging Knowledge and Action
Academia’s role in addressing climate challenges took centre stage. Speakers like Abdirahman Mohamed Dahie (SNU) and Khadija Hassan Hersi (Researcher) emphasized the importance of evidence-based research and education in shaping policies and building resilience. The panel stressed the need to integrate academic insights with actionable strategies.
Panel III: Advancing Climate Justice: Unlocking Climate Finance
The final panel brought clarity to the critical issue of climate finance. Moderated by Mohamed Okash, panelists, including Liban Obsiye (National Climate Fund) and Hassan Abdikadir Hassan (Hormuud Group), discussed mechanisms to secure funding for adaptation and mitigation efforts. They highlighted Somalia’s progress in debt relief, the development of inclusive NDCs, and the potential for private-sector engagement to drive resource mobilization.
Exhibitions: Showcasing Local Solutions
The summit’s exhibitions provided an inspiring platform for organizations and innovators to present local solutions to climate challenges. From live paintings to community-based adaptation strategies, the displays underscored the wealth of ideas and initiatives emerging across Somalia.
Acknowledgment of Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors—Oxfam Somalia, Hormuud, IBS Somalia, Salaam Bank, Quantus, and SOS Somalia—for their invaluable support in making the Mogadishu Environmental Summit 2024 a resounding success. Your contributions were instrumental in bringing together diverse stakeholders and driving impactful conversations on climate justice and sustainability. Thank you for championing Somalia’s journey toward a greener and more resilient future.
Closing Session: A United Call to Action
As the summit concluded, Mohamed Okash presented the official communiqué, summarizing the key outcomes and actionable resolutions of the event. The closing remarks were delivered by Abdullahi Ahmed Abdirahman, Deputy of Institutional Development at SIMAD University, and Hafsa Abdullahi Omar, Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Both emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration, innovation, and commitment to addressing Somalia’s environmental challenges.
The Mogadishu Environmental Summit 2024 was not just a gathering but a movement—one that is poised to drive real change in Somalia’s climate landscape. With its focus on climate justice, the summit empowered stakeholders to envision and act toward a future where people and the planet can thrive in harmony.
