Somali Youth Day 2025: Empowering Young Leaders for Climate Justice
On May 15th, 2025, Somali Youth Day was celebrated at SIMAD University’s Town Campus, bringing together over 30 young environmentalists, student leaders, and climate activists from SIMAD and Somali National University. The event, organised by the Institute of Climate and Environment (ICE) in collaboration with Oxfam Somalia, served as a vibrant platform to recognise the role of Somali youth in climate justice and sustainability. The program opened with welcoming remarks by Mohamed Okash, Director of ICE, who emphasised the significance of the day in empowering the next generation of changemakers. Distinguished guests included Ahmed Sheikh Mohamed, President of XAJSI (SIMAD Student Government), Hamza Abdiwahab, Director of the Somali Youth Hub at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Ustaad Abdullahi Ahmed Abdirahman, Deputy Rector of SIMAD University.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of a research paper titled “Investigating the Role of Sustainable Youth Employment in Combating the Climate Crisis in Somalia,” presented by Ms. Samira Abdulkadir Aden, Engagement Coordinator at ICE. The paper, co-authored by Juweria Mohamed Gracade, Liban Hassan Mohamed, and Najib Adan Wehlie, explored how youth-led green employment initiatives are contributing to climate adaptation and resilience in Somalia. The presentation sparked a lively discussion among participants, with many youth reflecting on how they can advance climate justice through innovation, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.
Reflections from stakeholders further enriched the dialogue. Ahmed Sheikh Mohamed spoke about the strength of student engagement in climate action, while Hamza Abdiwahab commended ICE and SIMAD University for creating spaces for youth leadership. In his official closing remarks, Ustaad Abdullahi Ahmed Abdirahman emphasised the critical role of young people in Somalia’s sustainable future and expressed gratitude for the strong collaboration between ICE and Oxfam Somalia. He recognised Oxfam’s ongoing support in advancing youth-led climate action and justice initiatives across the country. The event concluded with a strong sense of inspiration, renewed commitment, and a shared vision that Somali youth are not only part of the solution—they are leading it.
