Istanbul, Türkiye – Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, joined world leaders and environmental experts in Istanbul for the closing ceremony of the Zero Waste Forum, held from October 17 to 19, 2025. The three-day global gathering brought together policymakers, researchers, and advocates united by a single mission — to shape a cleaner, waste-free future for the planet.

Representing Somalia, Lt. Gen. Jama underscored the country’s commitment to global sustainability efforts despite facing the brunt of climate change. In his remarks, he highlighted that Somalia’s environment is under immense pressure from recurring droughts, desertification, and the destruction of forests — challenges that are closely linked to poor waste management and the absence of sustainable urban planning.

The minister’s presence in Istanbul signaled a renewed national drive to turn environmental vulnerability into opportunity.

At the forum, participants explored innovative waste reduction strategies and the transition toward a circular economy that reuses, recycles, and regenerates resources rather than discarding them. Somalia’s delegation shared insights from ongoing local initiatives to curb plastic pollution, improve recycling systems, and promote community-led environmental conservation.

The discussions resonated strongly with Somalia’s national agenda, which prioritizes building resilience against climate shocks through green growth and sustainable livelihoods. The government’s push to integrate environmental sustainability into economic planning aims to ensure that development does not come at the expense of ecosystems.

As the world accelerates toward zero waste goals, Somalia’s engagement in Istanbul reaffirmed that even countries most affected by climate change are taking bold steps to protect the planet. For Somalia, the message was clear — addressing waste is a key part of confronting the climate emergency and safeguarding a livable future for generations to come.