Hargeisa-The Advocate Post: Abdul Rafay Afzal, Editor-in-Chief of The Advocate Post International, lawyer, and global affairs expert, met with senior Somaliland government officials this week to discuss innovative approaches to sustainable development.

The high-level meetings brought together:
– Sheikh Abdikarim Hussein Eidle, Director of the Zakat Department at Somaliland’s Ministry of Religion and Endowments
– Eng. Amir Mohamed Amir, Environmental Specialist at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

Key Discussion Points:

1. Zakat-Based Development Models: Exploring how Islamic social finance can be leveraged to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
2. Climate-Resilient Policies: Integrating environmental considerations into Somaliland’s social welfare programs
3. Cross-Sector Collaboration: Developing frameworks for ministry-level cooperation between religious and environmental institutions

Mr. Afzal emphasized the global significance of these discussions:

“Somaliland’s integrated approach to combining traditional Islamic finance with modern environmental policy presents a replicable model for developing nations. This synergy between faith-based systems and climate action deserves international attention.”

Expert Perspectives:

Sheikh Eidle highlighted ongoing reforms in zakat distribution to maximize poverty alleviation impact, while Eng. Amir outlined plans for green initiatives supported by religious institutions.

The meetings concluded with plans for continued dialogue and potential collaboration on policy research.