Mogadishu - The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), the Africa Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) have pledged to combat climate change and protect Somalia’s fragile environment.

The commitment was made during the World Environment Day celebrations held in the capital, Mogadishu. This year’s theme, ‘Ending Plastic Pollution,’ highlights the urgent issue of global plastic pollution.

 “As the UN in Somalia, we have strived to mitigate our environmental impact by aiming for net-zero plastic in all our sites. We remain steadfast in our commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices,” said Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, OIC Head of UNSOS/Director of Mission Support.

“To further enhance our positive legacy in Somalia, the UN and AU must continue their efforts in ending plastic pollution. I urge everyone to adopt the three Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle to end plastic pollution,” she added.

Somalia faces a significant challenge related to plastic pollution stemming from rapid urbanisation growth and inadequate waste management system. Plastic waste poses a severe threat to the country’s coastal areas, polluting water and harming marine life.

Ms. Sadozai commended the Somali government for its decisive action in banning single-use plastics in June 2024, calling it a significant step toward effective environmental conservation.

Also present at the event were Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, Interim Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson (SRCC) Mr. Kareem Adebayo, AUSSOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma and Police Commissioner AIGP Hillary Sao Kanu.

Minister Jama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with partners to address plastic waste, noting that this year’s theme aligns with Somalia’s national priorities.

“Somalia, like many nations, faces the growing threat of plastic pollution that endangers ecosystems, public health, and livelihoods. The Ministry is working diligently with partners to strengthen waste management, promote alternatives of plastic, and raise awareness among citizens,” he added.

Guided by Somalia’s climate policies and the National Determined Contributions, Minister Jama remarked that the Ministry is driving forward reforestation initiatives, supporting community-based resilience programs, and expanding climate finance mechanisms to support adaptation and green development.

He expressed satisfaction in leading Somalia’s transition toward a greener and more resilient future, in partnership with both national and international partners, including the UN family and AUSSOM.

Echoing the concerns voiced by other speakers, Mr. Adebayo noted that plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges today.

“It contaminates our oceans, suffocates wildlife, and invades even the most remote corners of our ecosystems,” he said. “Ending this crisis requires bold policies, transformative innovation, and a shift in individual and collective behaviours.”

The event concluded with guests participating in a tree planting exercise as part of the celebrations.

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 and encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment.

According to the UN Environment Programme, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes every day, severely polluting the water.