ICE Institute 2024 : A Year of Progress, Action and Impact
As we wrapped 2024, the Institute of Climate and Environment (ICE) proudly reflects on a year of significant milestones and impact. From groundbreaking initiatives to fostering local and international partnerships, our journey this year underscores our commitment to building a climate-resilient, greener Somalia. Here’s a look back at what we achieved and a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Empowering Community for Climate Action
UNLEASH Hack Somalia: Brought together 37 young innovators to develop locally-led solutions for pressing environmental challenges, sparking innovative projects and fostering a culture of climate innovation.
Green Champions: Trained and mentored 8 students in environmental sustainability, expanding this volunteer network of young changemakers dedicated to climate action. This year’s cohort addressed topics such as biodiversity conservation, plastic pollution, and waste management through community-driven projects. For its second edition, we welcomed 10 new Green Champions to advance sustainability.
Climate Justice Incubator: In collaboration with Oxfam Somalia, ICE empowered over 110 young leaders through a six-week program covering Climate Justice Essentials, Leadership Skills, and Climate Storytelling. Participants developed innovative community projects and received recognition at a certification ceremony attended by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Training on Climate Change and Disability Inclusion: Conducted in partnership with UNTMIS Human Rights & Protection Group, workshop trained organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) on climate action advocacy in Mogadishu, Baidoa and Dhusamareeb. The training emphasized human rights-based approaches, the inclusion of disability in Somalia’s Nationally Determined Contributions, and the effective use of media for advocacy. Key outcomes included practical strategies for disability-inclusive climate policies and strengthened advocacy capabilities among OPDs.
Thought Leadership and Dialogue
Mogadishu Environmental Summit 2024: Convened 400+ stakeholders to address climate justice, fostering collaboration and actionable insights to drive Climate Justice in Somalia.
Climate Change Symposium: Brought together over 200 participants to discuss climate adaptation strategies, with a strong focus on Human Rights solutions and community empowerment.
Climate Conversation Program: Hosted 8 monthly sessions across the year, covering critical topics such as carbon markets, climate governance, biodiversity, plastic pollution, and more, creating a platform for dialogue and action.
COP29 Participation: ICE made a significant impact at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Highlights included a panel discussion on climate resilience in fragile states, partnerships with organizations like Somalis for Sustainability, and engagement with international bodies to strengthen knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives.
Advancing Research and Knowledge
I. Published 8 peer-reviewed studies on topics ranging from food security to sustainable energy and climate governance, contributing valuable insights to global and regional discussions.
II. Updated the Knowledge Portal for Climate Action, a centralized platform to bridge knowledge gaps and provide resources for evidence-based decision-making in Somalia.
III. Introduced the Sustainability Scholars Program, welcoming over 15 researchers from diverse fields to develop science-driven solutions addressing Somalia’s environmental challenges.
Building Strategic Partnerships
– Strengthened collaborations with UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) formally known as UNSOM, Oxfam Somalia, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Somalis for Sustainability, Action for Environment and others to enhance capacity building, policy advocacy, and community engagement.
– Engaged in global networks such as the Paris Committee on Capacity-building (PCCB), YOUNGO, Adaptation Research Alliance, and Youth Mappers for leveraging international expertise to advance local solutions.
– Mohamed Okash, ICE’s Director, joined the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Climate and Nature Governance, amplifying Somalia’s voice in global climate dialogues.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2025
As we transition into 2025, ICE remains steadfast in its mission to drive impactful climate solutions. Our priorities include:
1. Scaling Innovation: Expanding programs like the Climate Justice Incubator to empower more youth and communities with the tools and resources to lead local climate initiatives.
2. Enhancing Knowledge Sharing: Upgrading the Knowledge Portal for Climate Action with real-time data and comprehensive climate finance resources to empower stakeholders.
3. Deepening Partnerships: Strengthening ties with international and local partners to co-create sustainable solutions tailored to Somalia’s unique challenges.
4. Driving Policy Impact: Intensifying advocacy efforts to influence environmental policies that prioritize resilience, equity, and sustainability.
Join Us in Building a Resilient Somalia
The journey to a greener, more sustainable Somalia requires collective effort. We invite you to join hands with ICE Institute—as a partner, supporter, or advocate—to drive meaningful change and create a resilient future for all.
