Istanbul, Türkiye – Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, has held a pivotal meeting with Samed Ağırbaş, President of the Zero Waste Forum Türkiye, focusing on advancing environmental cooperation and combating the growing impacts of climate change in Somalia.

The discussion, held on the sidelines of the Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul, centered on developing sustainable waste management systems, boosting institutional capacity, and promoting community awareness about environmental conservation. Lt. Gen. Jama underscored the fact that Somalia’s battle against climate change cannot be won without addressing urban waste and pollution — both key contributors to environmental degradation.

“Zero waste is not just about managing garbage; it’s about changing mindsets and building resilience,” the minister said.

He added that Somalia is determined to integrate cleaner production, recycling, and green urban planning into its national climate agenda.

Ağırbaş commended Somalia’s leadership for prioritizing environmental issues despite the country’s complex challenges. He pledged Türkiye’s full support for joint projects on recycling, public education, and building sustainable, cleaner cities.

“Somalia’s commitment to environmental protection shows true vision,” he noted, emphasizing that practical collaboration between the two nations could yield transformative results.

The partnership comes at a critical moment for Somalia, where climate change has intensified droughts, floods, and displacement, putting immense pressure on both rural and urban areas. By embracing Türkiye’s Zero Waste model — a globally recognized initiative launched under the guidance of First Lady Emine Erdoğan — Somalia hopes to build stronger, climate-resilient communities while protecting its fragile ecosystems.

As the two countries deepen their cooperation, the meeting marks a meaningful step toward a cleaner, greener future — one where waste reduction and climate action go hand in hand in shaping Somalia’s environmental transformation.