On October 11, 2023, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Somalia Khadiija Mohamed and Director General Amy E. Pope engaged in a highly productive meeting that revolved around addressing the pressing environmental and climate challenges linked to displacement and migration. This meeting took place in the ministry’s headquarter in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, and it served as a significant step toward finding sustainable solutions to these interconnected issues.
Minister Khadiija Mohamed began the meeting by reaffirming Somalia’s unwavering commitment to seeking innovative and sustainable solutions for the environmental and climate challenges that stem from displacement and migration.
She underlined the need to protect the environment, which faces additional burdens due to the complexities of displacement.
Amy E. Pope, the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), echoed this commitment. She emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of displacement and migration, aiming to develop comprehensive strategies that focus on environmentally sustainable solutions. The discussions during the meeting revolved around collaborative strategies and initiatives that would help mitigate the environmental consequences of displacement and migration. They also aimed to enhance the resilience of communities affected by these challenges.
Both parties explored a range of potential joint projects, capacity-building initiatives, and policy developments. These initiatives were designed to improve the living conditions of displaced populations while simultaneously strengthening their resilience.
Furthermore, they aimed to reduce the environmental and climate consequences associated with migration.
This collaborative approach, which was the focal point of the meeting, holds the promise of making a tangible impact on the lives of those affected by displacement and migration. It signifies a shared commitment to finding sustainable solutions that contribute to community resilience and the broader protection of the environment.
To symbolize their enduring collaboration and friendship, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Somalia, Khadiija Mohamed and Director General Amy E. Pope planted a tree, signifying the growth of their partnership and shared commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
