Khadija Al Makhzoumi

Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi (Somali: Khadija Mohamed Al-makhzoumi, Arabic: خديجة محمد المخزومي) is a Somali/British diplomat and politician who currently serves as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in Somalia and also a member of the Federal Parliament of Somalia's House of the People.

Career

She assumed office as Minister of Environment and Climate change on August 9, 2022, and is responsible for developing and implementing environmental policies, strategies, laws, and regulations in the country. She was the Ambassador of Somalia to Iraq, based at the Somali embassy in Baghdad. She was assigned to the office on 2 April 2015. In 2016 she was appointed as the Ambassador of Somalia to Pakistan.

• H.E Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al Makhzoumi at the Federal Government's ministerial meeting 2022.

Prior to her appointment as Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Amb. Khadija served as Somalia's Ambassador to Pakistan from 2016 to 2022. She has also held several other diplomatic positions, including Somalia's Ambassador to Iraq, head of the Somali embassy in Iraq, a political advisor to the Arab League, and a senior political advisor to the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also served as a counsellor at the Somali embassy in Malaysia.

As her time as the Somali Ambassador to Pakistan, Mrs. Khadija was honored with the prestigious Global Ambassador Award. This distinguished recognition highlighted her exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to fostering diplomacy and international relations. Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Khadija played a vital role in nurturing positive relationships between Somalia and the global community. The presentation of the Global Ambassador Award served as a testament to her exemplary leadership and diplomatic skills during her time as the Somali Ambassador to Pakistan.

• Portrait of Amb. Khadija Al Makzoumi, 2020

During her tenure as the Somali Ambassador to Pakistan, Khadija played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. One notable achievement was the signing of a $10.5 million accord between Pakistan and Somalia for the implementation of an identification system. This agreement, inked in May 2018, aimed to enhance administrative processes and improve security measures in Somalia. Khadija's efforts in facilitating this agreement showcased her diplomatic skills and commitment to promoting cooperation and development between nations.

Being a young and energetic diplomat, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi is one of the most mindful diplomats that Somalia has ever produced. She joined the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2008. In 2008-09, she offered her services as Liaison's Office in the U.K., Ministry of Diaspora, Somalia. From 2010-Jun to 2011, she served as Counselor, Somalia Embassy, Malaysia. Later on, from 2011 to 2013, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi was deployed as the Senior Political Adviser, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Somalia.

Education and background

Amb. Khadija's background and educational journey have played a pivotal role in shaping her diplomatic career. Amidst the turmoil of the 1991 Somali civil war, she and her family were forced to flee their homeland for safety. They moved to Egypt, where she completed her primary education.

Recognizing the importance of education in her personal and professional growth, Khadija's determination led her to the United Kingdom in 1995. Where she sought refuge in and embarked on her higher education journey. In the UK, Khadija pursued her studies, immersing herself in an environment that nurtured her intellectual curiosity and passion for diplomacy.

Amb. Khadija holds a Bachelor of Business Management from Southampton University in the United Kingdom, a Master of Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Peace, Governance, and Development with a specialization in Climate Diplomacy from the United Nations University for Peace in Costa Rica.

Amb. Khadija is fluent in English, Arabic, and Somali, and can speak Urdu. She was born in Somalia and has a British nationality.

Awards

As a result of outstanding contribution towards building Pakistan’s strong partnership with Somalia, on behalf of the people of Pakistan,  Diplomatic Insight Group conferred an award to Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al Makhzoumi, Ambassador of Somalia to Pakistan. This was a humble tribute to her hard work and commitment to Pakistan-Somalia relations.

• Global Ambassador Award
• Africa Sustainability Outliers Award 2023