The inaugural Mogadishu Environmental Summit (MES), a landmark event in Somalia’s environmental sector, was held on June 15-16, 2022, at the Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu. This pioneering summit, organized by Action for Environment in partnership with the Somali Center for Water & Environment, marked a significant stride in addressing the nation’s ecological challenges.
Attracting over 300 participants from various sectors, including policymakers, environmental experts, activists, non-governmental organizations, businesses, academics, researchers, and journalists, MES provided an unprecedented opportunity for cross-sector collaboration. The central theme, “Somalia and Climate Change: Time for Action,” underscored the urgency of the environmental crisis and the need for immediate, actionable solutions.
The summit delved into a range of critical sub-themes, encompassing climate adaptation and mitigation, resilience, the nexus between climate change and peace, the vital role of civil society, and the importance of climate research and advocacy. This array of topics facilitated a comprehensive discourse on the multifaceted nature of environmental challenges facing Somalia.
Enriching the experience of the summit were keynote speeches, insightful panel discussions, and engaging exhibitions that showcased eco-friendly products and innovations. These elements of the summit not only provided a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices but also stimulated creative thinking and problem-solving among the attendees.
The MES 2022 successfully created a confluence of ideas and expertise, setting the stage for collaborative efforts towards sustainable environmental solutions. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the summit fostered a holistic approach to environmental management, emphasizing the collective responsibility and potential for impactful change in the fight against climate change in Somalia
