ICE Institute to Host YEDx Somalia 2026
The Institute of Climate and Environment (ICE) at SIMAD University is pleased to announce its official approval to host the Youth Environmental Dialogue (YEDx) Somalia 2026, following confirmation from the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG) to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Scheduled for 22 December 2026 in Mogadishu, the dialogue will bring together young environmental leaders to connect global environmental commitments with Somalia’s national priorities and locally driven solutions.
YEDx is a youth-focused initiative that strengthens young people’s understanding of international environmental governance and creates pathways for their meaningful participation in environmental decision-making. Through the initiative, local youth perspectives can contribute to regional and global environmental discussions.
Connecting Global Commitments with Local Action
Somalia faces interconnected environmental challenges, including recurrent droughts and floods, land degradation, biodiversity loss, water insecurity, and growing pollution pressures.
Under the theme “Youth Environmental Governance for a Resilient Somalia,” YEDx Somalia 2026 will explore how young people can contribute to addressing these challenges through environmental governance, policy engagement, and practical action.
The dialogue will connect outcomes from the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), relevant multilateral environmental agreements, and global environmental priorities with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan 2025–2029, Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and biodiversity priorities.
The event aims to engage approximately 60–80 young participants, emphasizing gender inclusion and representation from diverse communities, including young people with disabilities and those from rural, coastal, and displaced communities.
Youth-Led Dialogue, Action-Oriented Outcomes
The dialogue will feature interactive policy discussions, youth-led thematic sessions, and engagement with environmental policymakers and practitioners.
Participants will explore three priority areas: climate and water resilience, biodiversity and land restoration, and pollution prevention and circular solutions.
A central outcome will be the development of a Somalia Youth Environmental Declaration, accompanied by a practical framework identifying three to five priority actions, responsible youth leads, and follow-up timelines.
These outcomes will inform continued national engagement and contribute to youth advocacy through CYMG’s regional and international participation pathways.
Green Champions at the Forefront
ICE Institute’s Green Champions, working alongside other Somali youth representatives, will lead youth mobilisation, facilitation, documentation, and follow-up activities.
As the approved host institution, ICE Institute will coordinate the dialogue, mobilise partnerships, and provide technical and logistical support. CYMG will support the initiative through capacity building, guidance, and implementation resources.
This milestone reinforces ICE Institute’s commitment to strengthening local capacities, promoting inclusive environmental governance, and connecting Somali youth with global environmental processes.
YEDx Somalia 2026 will be held on Tuesday, 22 December 2026, at the proposed venue of SIMAD University in Mogadishu. Further information on participation and programme arrangements will be announced through ICE Institute’s official channels.
From global commitments to local action, Somali youth have an important role in shaping a resilient and sustainable environmental future.
