Mogadishu, 10 June 2026 – The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) jointly marked World Environment Day with an event focused on raising awareness of environmental protection.
Held at the UN compound in Mogadishu under the theme “Inspired by Nature for Climate for Our Future,” the event brought together United Nations and African Union personnel to reflect on the growing environmental challenges facing Somalia and the actions needed to address them.
Observed annually on 5 June, World Environment Day raises awareness of environmental threats and encourages collective action to tackle climate change and protect natural resources.
The Acting Assistant Secretary-General and Head of UNSOS, Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, highlighted several initiatives undertaken by UNSOS to reduce its environmental footprint, including water recycling, tree planting, the use of solar energy, reducing single-use plastics, and sustainable waste management practices.
“As we celebrate World Environment Day, let us do more than talk about the environment—let us take action,” said Ms. Sadozai. “This can be done by planting more trees to reduce pollution and making smart choices that protect this country's natural resources for generations to come.”
Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai also encouraged participants to adopt simple daily habits that contribute to environmental sustainability, including reducing waste, conserving water, saving energy, and promoting the three Rs—reduce, reuse and recycle.
The UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Somalia, George Conway noted that Somalia continues to face the severe impacts of climate change, including droughts and floods that have contributed to land degradation, ecosystem collapse, biodiversity loss and displacement.
“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.
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC) and Head of AUSSOM, Ambassador El-Hadji Ibrahima Diene, called for stronger partnerships and greater community engagement in environmental protection efforts.
“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.
UNSOS Environment Officer, Richard Oyoo, delivered a presentation on the impacts of environmental change in Somalia and outlined the environmental sustainability measures being implemented by UNSOS.
The event also featured thematic performances by AUSSOM military personnel, showcasing the region’s cultural diversity while promoting awareness of environmental conservation and sustainability.
As part of the commemoration, significant emphasis was placed on tree planting.
United Nations personnel from UNSOS, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes (AFPs), and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU), together with AUSSOM civilian, police and military personnel, participated in a tree-planting exercise to reaffirm their commitment to a greener and more sustainable future for Somalia.
More than 100 personnel, planted 100 trees across the UNSOS compound, including 44 trees at the UNSOS Camp, 26 at the UNGU Camp and 30 at Sector 1 Camp.
