Mogadishu – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the United Nations in Somalia jointly celebrated the World Environment Day in Mogadishu. The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC) and Head of AUSSOM, Amb. El-Hadji Ibrahima Diene, led the event together with the Officer in Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), Mr. George Conway, and Acting Assistant Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Ms. Qurat ul-Ain Sadozai.
Celebrated annually on 5th June, the 2026 World Environment Day was held under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” to raise awareness of environmental protection. This global theme matches with the African Union’s Theme for the Year 2026, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
The SRCC highlighted the link between environmental degradation in Somalia to insecurity and displacement. He called for a shared commitment, collective responsibility, stronger collaboration and greater participation of local community in climate action, advancing environmental protection, climate resilience and preserve the future generations in Somalia.
“We need strong cooperation among governments, institutions, communities, private sector and all international actors and partners. Youth and women play a critical role in protecting the environment and in climate adaptation,” said Ambassador Diene.
UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Somalia and Officer in Charge of the UNTMIS, outlined that extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods have led to land degradation, ecosystem collapse, biodiversity loss, and displacement in Somalia.
“This year, we’re seeing a somewhat curious phenomenon of parts of the country experiencing drought while other parts of the country are experiencing flooding simultaneously. And it means that on the humanitarian front, we’re responding to very different crises in different parts of the country. Flooding in some areas, protracted drought in others,” said Conway.
Acting ASG and Head of UNSOS highlighted UNSOS initiatives to protect the environment, including water recycling, tree planting, solar energy, reducing single-use plastics and sustainable waste management.
“As we celebrate the World Environment Day, let us do more, and then speak about the environment. This can be done by planting more trees to reduce pollution and make smart choices that protect this country’s natural resources for generations to come,” said Ms Sadozai.
The World Environment Day celebrations aimed at raising awareness on environmental threats and promotion of actions that address climate change. Activities to mark the day included tree planting.