Her Excellence Shukri Haji Bandare, Minister of Environment and Rural Development in Hargeisa, Somaliland, participated the Global Climate Action Summit at San Francisco, California, United State of America from September 11 to 14, 2018. The summit organizers have selected 22 individuals from around the world who are committed to battling climate change and will bring their unique stories and insight to the summit (http://globalclimateactionsummit.org/trailblazers)
Selected from all corners of the globe, six trailblazers live in North America, three in Central or South America, two in Europe, four in Africa, three in Asia and four in Australia or Oceania. Her Excellence Minister Shukri was one of those representing Africa. During the summit the minister met, a number of prominent people included Formal U.S Vice President Al Gore. They discussed environmental issues facing Africa in general and Somaliland in particular, among other things. She shared with him current political and economic developments in Somaliland.
Minister Shukr is the Founder of Candlelight for Health, Education, and Environment, a relief and development organization in Somaliland. Candlelight’s origin is rooted in the connection between environment, food security, and public health. Following Somalia’s civil war, Candlelight was founded to educate and empower communities to tackle environmental drivers of poverty and humanitarian need. Climate change adaptation, reforestation, water management, and soil and water conservation are amongst its chief priorities.
In recognition of her accomplishments and her extraordinary leadership, Ms. Shukri was appointed the Minister of Environment and Rural Development for the Republic of Somaliland, a position in which she has served in two successive administrations during her appointment. Shukri has spear headed the national ban of plastic bags and the establishment of National Environment Act. In 2011, Ms. Shukri was recognized for her achievements at an International Crisis Group awards dinner entitled “In Pursuit of Peace.” Highlighted here: https://vimeo.com/33957909