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Speech
04 September 2024
Remarks by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia at the Launch of the National Durable Solutions Pathways Action Plan
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Story
31 August 2024
A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in August 2024
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Press Release
12 August 2024
2 in 3 children in Somalia live in severe food poverty due to inequity, conflict, and climate crises – UNICEF
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Somalia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Somalia:
Story
13 June 2023
Working together for a prosperous and peaceful Somalia
After five consecutive seasons with less rainfall than expected, Somalia is facing a climatic event not seen in its recorded history.
The current drought, one of the longest and most severe in Somalia, reflects the accelerating pace of climate change across the region. The impact on communities has been devastating.1.4 million people have been internally displaced and forced to leave their homes. An estimated 8.25 million people – nearly half of Somalia’s population – now require immediate lifesaving humanitarian and protection assistance in order to survive. On top of this, the moderate rains received in March of this year have led to flash flooding, affecting 175, 000 people, of whom 130,000 have been displaced.
Aside from recurrent drought and climate induced emergencies, Somalia is facing other deep-rooted yet interlinked challenges, including violent conflict, corruption, poverty and rising numbers of internal displacement. For the Resident Coordinator and the UN country team, breaking these chronic cycles of crises and tackling the root causes of displacement, insecurity and climate induced emergencies and support Somalia’s development ambitions been a key overarching priority.
Central to these efforts is the recognition that none of these challenges can be addressed in isolation; but rather require a cross-pillar approach – in order words ensuring that the UN’s humanitarian interventions in Somalia are closely aligned with development planning and measures to protect human security.
So how was this put into practice on the ground? 1. Joint action through taskforces In 2020, the United Nations in Somalia set up a series of taskforces to address the three priority areas of Climate Adaptation and Water Management – Droughts and Floods, Durable Solutions for Displacement-Affected Communities and Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption. These taskforces aim to better coordinate humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors, both within and outside the UN, through programmatic support and improved information-sharing.
The Water Management Taskforce for example, brings different UN entities in Somalia together to find joint solutions to drought and flood management, including mapping out critical water sources and planning for a short, medium, and long-term response. In addition to this, thanks to the support from the UN, the government launched the National Coordination Facility in March 2023 which provides a platform for all actors to come together to implement the goals of the National Water Resources Strategy and strengthen Somalia’s leadership on water management. 2. Localize the SG’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement Somalia is one of the 16 UN Member States selected to pilot the Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, an overarching roadmap launched by the UN Secretary-General in 2022, to resolve, prevent and address internal displacement crises around the world. This year, the Resident Coordinator’s Office has convened the UN country team and relevant partners to discuss how to implement the agenda locally and tackle the specific factors driving internal displacement in the country.
As part of these efforts, the UN country team launched a flagship project ‘Saameynta’ in March 2022 which pools expertise and resources from the UN and partners to support internally displaced families find permanent homes. Through this intervention, local authorities are now better placed to address urban displacement and support the development of new policies on land ownership to reduce the risk of forced eviction while improving the access to land for IDPs.
To compliment these efforts, the UN country team is also supporting national authorities implement the National Durable Solutions Strategy which emphasizes the need to build partnerships and alliances in order to find localized and area-specific solutions, including ensuring access to sustainable livelihoods and employment, protection against eviction and access to the justice system. Image Caption: UN Secretary-General António Guterres meets with a family residing at the ADC camp for internally displaced people in Baidoa, in April 2023. Photo: © UN Photo/SouravSarker 3. Harnessing the potential of young people With an estimated 75 percent of its population under the age of 35, Somalia has a young population which is helping boost the resilience of communities through innovative entrepreneurship. Young people’s contributions are leading to a vibrant private sector, the expansion of digital literacy and the inclusion of more women in the country’s economic, social and political life. Harnessing the potential of young people represents a critical step in Somalia’s path towards peace and prosperity, and key priority for the UN country team.
This is why an 18-member UN Somalia Youth Advisory Board was established as a mechanism to improve the relevance, mobilization, and outreach efforts of different UN initiatives among young people in Somalia and help agencies improve their response to the needs of the young people across the country. 4.Tackle insecurity and corruption Alongside efforts to scale-up climate adaptation and find local solutions to displacement, the UN country team has also focused on tackling the pervasive issue of corruption. Through the Anti-Fraud & Anti-Corruption Taskforce, the UN is promoting a multi‐stakeholder dialogue aimed at addressing corruption-related concerns within the UN family and providing guidance to the Government and other stakeholders. The taskforce is also engaged with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to link its financial support to Somalia with conditionality that encourages transparency and integrity.
Beyond this, the UN has played a critical role in helping Somalia accede in 2021 to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument.
The UN is also supporting different Somali stakeholders follow the steps of the ‘Implementation Review Mechanism’ (IRM); a key driver of institutional change which ensures that UNCAC’s standards are effectively implemented. Image Caption: The UN in Somalia is supporting national authorities tackle internal displacement through ensuring access to sustainable livelihoods and employment. Photo: © FAO Looking ahead, this cross-pillar approach will continue to guide the work of the UN in Somalia; offering an effective framework to deliver on the commitments set out in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and help realize the collective aspirations of the Government’s ninth National Development Plan, in particular capitalizing on the country’s improved security situation and the entrepreneurial spirit of its young population.
Most importantly, this approach ensures that no matter the scale of future challenges, the needs of people and planet will remain at the very centre. Link to the original piece.
The current drought, one of the longest and most severe in Somalia, reflects the accelerating pace of climate change across the region. The impact on communities has been devastating.1.4 million people have been internally displaced and forced to leave their homes. An estimated 8.25 million people – nearly half of Somalia’s population – now require immediate lifesaving humanitarian and protection assistance in order to survive. On top of this, the moderate rains received in March of this year have led to flash flooding, affecting 175, 000 people, of whom 130,000 have been displaced.
Aside from recurrent drought and climate induced emergencies, Somalia is facing other deep-rooted yet interlinked challenges, including violent conflict, corruption, poverty and rising numbers of internal displacement. For the Resident Coordinator and the UN country team, breaking these chronic cycles of crises and tackling the root causes of displacement, insecurity and climate induced emergencies and support Somalia’s development ambitions been a key overarching priority.
Central to these efforts is the recognition that none of these challenges can be addressed in isolation; but rather require a cross-pillar approach – in order words ensuring that the UN’s humanitarian interventions in Somalia are closely aligned with development planning and measures to protect human security.
So how was this put into practice on the ground? 1. Joint action through taskforces In 2020, the United Nations in Somalia set up a series of taskforces to address the three priority areas of Climate Adaptation and Water Management – Droughts and Floods, Durable Solutions for Displacement-Affected Communities and Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption. These taskforces aim to better coordinate humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors, both within and outside the UN, through programmatic support and improved information-sharing.
The Water Management Taskforce for example, brings different UN entities in Somalia together to find joint solutions to drought and flood management, including mapping out critical water sources and planning for a short, medium, and long-term response. In addition to this, thanks to the support from the UN, the government launched the National Coordination Facility in March 2023 which provides a platform for all actors to come together to implement the goals of the National Water Resources Strategy and strengthen Somalia’s leadership on water management. 2. Localize the SG’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement Somalia is one of the 16 UN Member States selected to pilot the Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, an overarching roadmap launched by the UN Secretary-General in 2022, to resolve, prevent and address internal displacement crises around the world. This year, the Resident Coordinator’s Office has convened the UN country team and relevant partners to discuss how to implement the agenda locally and tackle the specific factors driving internal displacement in the country.
As part of these efforts, the UN country team launched a flagship project ‘Saameynta’ in March 2022 which pools expertise and resources from the UN and partners to support internally displaced families find permanent homes. Through this intervention, local authorities are now better placed to address urban displacement and support the development of new policies on land ownership to reduce the risk of forced eviction while improving the access to land for IDPs.
To compliment these efforts, the UN country team is also supporting national authorities implement the National Durable Solutions Strategy which emphasizes the need to build partnerships and alliances in order to find localized and area-specific solutions, including ensuring access to sustainable livelihoods and employment, protection against eviction and access to the justice system. Image Caption: UN Secretary-General António Guterres meets with a family residing at the ADC camp for internally displaced people in Baidoa, in April 2023. Photo: © UN Photo/SouravSarker 3. Harnessing the potential of young people With an estimated 75 percent of its population under the age of 35, Somalia has a young population which is helping boost the resilience of communities through innovative entrepreneurship. Young people’s contributions are leading to a vibrant private sector, the expansion of digital literacy and the inclusion of more women in the country’s economic, social and political life. Harnessing the potential of young people represents a critical step in Somalia’s path towards peace and prosperity, and key priority for the UN country team.
This is why an 18-member UN Somalia Youth Advisory Board was established as a mechanism to improve the relevance, mobilization, and outreach efforts of different UN initiatives among young people in Somalia and help agencies improve their response to the needs of the young people across the country. 4.Tackle insecurity and corruption Alongside efforts to scale-up climate adaptation and find local solutions to displacement, the UN country team has also focused on tackling the pervasive issue of corruption. Through the Anti-Fraud & Anti-Corruption Taskforce, the UN is promoting a multi‐stakeholder dialogue aimed at addressing corruption-related concerns within the UN family and providing guidance to the Government and other stakeholders. The taskforce is also engaged with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to link its financial support to Somalia with conditionality that encourages transparency and integrity.
Beyond this, the UN has played a critical role in helping Somalia accede in 2021 to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument.
The UN is also supporting different Somali stakeholders follow the steps of the ‘Implementation Review Mechanism’ (IRM); a key driver of institutional change which ensures that UNCAC’s standards are effectively implemented. Image Caption: The UN in Somalia is supporting national authorities tackle internal displacement through ensuring access to sustainable livelihoods and employment. Photo: © FAO Looking ahead, this cross-pillar approach will continue to guide the work of the UN in Somalia; offering an effective framework to deliver on the commitments set out in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and help realize the collective aspirations of the Government’s ninth National Development Plan, in particular capitalizing on the country’s improved security situation and the entrepreneurial spirit of its young population.
Most importantly, this approach ensures that no matter the scale of future challenges, the needs of people and planet will remain at the very centre. Link to the original piece.
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Press Release
02 July 2024
Federal Government of Somalia and United Nations convene the 2024 meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of the UN Cooperation Framework for Somalia (2021-2025)
The meeting of the Joint Steering Committee was co-chaired by the Minister for Planning, Investment and Economic Development, His Excellency, Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah (Beenebeene) and the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mr. George Conway. His Excellency. Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah (Beenebeene) acknowledged the significance of the partnership in support of Somalia’s development priorities. “The Cooperation Framework is a testament to our strong partnership with the UN, driving forward our national development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are committed to ensuring that the progress we make together translates into tangible improvements in the lives of the Somali people,” said, Minister, Mohamud.Speaking during the event, Mr. George Conway explained the annual Joint Steering Committee for the UN Cooperation Framework provides a platform to take stock and recalibrate our engagement to ensure alignment with the vision and aspirations of the country.“Five-year plans such as the UN Cooperation Framework are important to hold us accountable to commitments made. Under leadership of His Excellency the President, Somalia is conceiving a centennial Vision 2060 that seeks to capture Somali aspirations for their country. Providing a longer-term vision to guide short- and medium-term efforts will be helpful both in the finalization of the next National Transformation Plan as well as our next UN Cooperation Framework," said, Mr. Conway. The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2021-2025) is the UN's multi-year strategic plan to guide the UN’s collective contribution to the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals in Somalia.—————————————————————————————————— FOR MEDIA INQUIRES: Communication Unit Department, Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development | Email: Info@mop.gov.so Abdilatif Adan, Communications Specialist, UN Resident Coordinator Office in Somalia | Phone: +252614125028 | Email: abdilatif.adan@un.org | https://somalia.un.org/en |
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Story
23 December 2021
Somalia is on the path of recovery, but real challenges remain
I arrived in Somalia in September 2019, two decades after having worked here previously. I knew that I was taking up a challenging assignment, but I was also looking forward to seeing Somalia’s progress. Afflicted by decades of conflict, recurrent climatic shocks, disease outbreaks and poverty, Somalia was often called a ‘failed state.’ The narrative is now changing, and although fragile, Somalia is on a path to stability and the resilience of the Somali people is second to none. That said, we are not under any illusion: significant challenges remain, and we must work even harder to preserve the gains made to date. Somalia’s upward trajectory is evident in the construction boom, as one analyst noted -- the sound of the hammer is replacing the sound of gunfire in Somalia’s capital.
The UN has been closely supporting the Somali people since the birth of the Republic in 1960. Currently, the UN's various mandates are implemented through 26 Agencies, Funds and Programmes (both resident and non-resident), one political mission (UNSOM) and one logistical support mission (UNSOS). The UN’s commitment towards the Somali cause is articulated in detail in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2021-2025), mirroring the priorities of Somalia’s Ninth National Development Plan (NDP-9).
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN marshalled support to help the Somali government respond to the virus outbreak. We continue to support the Somali authorities in seeking to defeat this pandemic and encouraging people to get vaccinated. Elections are also on-going in Somalia. The UN is supporting the process to ensure that elections are held in a peaceful and transparent manner, while at the same time advocating for 30 per cent women’s quota in the Somali legislature.
While these are encouraging signs of progress, we must not forget Somalia’s long-standing challenges. According to UN’s projections for next year, an estimated 7.7 million Somalis (nearly half of the country’s population) will require humanitarian assistance and protection. Women and children continue to bear the brunt of Somalia’s complex humanitarian crises, especially among the internally displaced communities. In light of the current serious droughts, the Somali government declared a humanitarian state of emergency on 23 November. Yet, neither the government nor the humanitarian community has adequate resources to respond. With a few days remaining in the year, the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan which seeks US$1.09 billion remains only 70 per cent funded. Additional resources are urgently needed to prevent the dire humanitarian situation from becoming a catastrophe, so we continue to engage partners on this subject. In this regard, I undertook missions to Europe in October and to the Gulf in September. Throughout my interactions with partners, I stressed the need for additional funding to address Somalia’s escalating humanitarian crisis and elaborated on how inaction not only risks a reversal of the gains but puts the lives of millions of Somalis in jeopardy.
Through my field visits in Somalia, I have also seen first-hand the grim realities of adverse climate conditions. Somalia is no doubt on the frontline of climate change. The recurrent droughts and floods are driving widespread displacement, rapid urbanization, hunger, malnutrition and poverty. Climate change is also increasingly seen as the driver of conflict and a threat to the country’s security as the struggle over meagre resources deepens divisions. In addition, the loss of traditional livelihoods makes people vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups such as Al-Shabaab. Somalia is currently experiencing a third consecutive season of below-average rainfall, with nearly 80 per cent of the country experiencing drought conditions, water shortages and livestock deaths. One in five Somalis does not have enough water to cover his/her basic needs. On a positive note, as part of the efforts to mitigate the climate emergency, the government, with the support of the United Nations, has recently adopted an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution to achieve global climate targets, in which Somalia committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.
Somalia’s crises are multifaceted, and they require comprehensive solutions from all stakeholders. It is our collective responsibility to support the efforts of the Somali people to cope with these crises and find lasting solutions that build resilience against future shocks. We must not fail the people we pledged to serve.
Adam Abdelmoula, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, held a press conference on Monday, 20 December on the situation in Somalia, where the UN and partners is launching a nearly $1.5 billion Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). Roughly 7.7 million people in the country will need assistance and protection in 2022, a 30 per cent rise in just one year.
Written by Adam Abdelmoula, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia
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Story
01 September 2024
A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in August 2024
Development | FAO installs solar power generator system in KismayoFAO installed a state-of-the-art solar power generator system at the fish market in Kismayo, city of Jubaland, for the benefit of the local community and to enhance market efficiency.The system is part of FAO’s RAAISE project, which falls under the European Union’s ‘Inclusive Local and Economic Development’ programme. The latter aims to contribute to stability in Somalia by extending state authority and services, promoting local reconciliation and peacebuilding, creating inclusive economic opportunities and protecting the most vulnerable. According to FAO, the innovative generator system provides sustainable and reliable energy essential for maintaining fish quality and supporting local livelihoods.RAAISE, which stands for ‘Resilient Fisheries and Livestock Value Chain for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Somalia,’ is designed to enhance resilience against climate variability and conflict by improving institutional capacities, value chain development, and regulatory frameworks across Somalia.Click here for more Health | IOM supports reach-out to mothers and newborns in PuntlandIn Garowe, the capital of Puntland, IOM and the Federal Member State’s Ministry of Health worked together to overcome geographical barriers and deliver essential healthcare services directly to displaced populations.Through seven mobile clinics, IOM provided critical medical care to the communities of Burtinle, Dan Gorayo, Xamur, Abaarey, Garowe, Godobjiran and Jariban, with a focus on post-natal care.Since the launch of the first mobile clinic in May 2013, IOM has reached thousands of Somalis with services including routine consultation, maternal health, nutrition and immunizations.According to IOM, vehicles equipped with essential medical supplies, and staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals, bring vital infant and young child feeding services directly to the heart of underserved communities.Click here for more Youth | UNFPA announces youth centres in Barawe and DhusamarebAt an event in Mogadishu to celebrate International Youth Day, marked on 12 August annually, UNFPA announced the inauguration of two new youth centres in Barawe and Dhusamareb.In her remarks at the event, UNFPA’s Acting Representative for Somalia, Dr. Mary Otieno, said the centres would be vital hubs for digital learning, entrepreneurship, and innovation, empowering young people with the skills needed for a sustainable future. She also stressed the importance of investing in youth for sustainable development.The celebration was held under the theme for this year’s observance: ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.’
The event featured speeches from key figures, including the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Bare, who highlighted the critical role of youth in Somalia's progress.Click here for more Immunization | UNICEF accelerates progress towards immunizing every childThe Government of Somalia, WHO and UNICEF combined efforts to accelerate progress towards immunizing every child.Firstly, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre launched the Somalia Immunization and Polio Eradication (SIPE) Task Force, which will oversee and coordinate polio eradication and immunization efforts across the country using lifesaving vaccines.Secondly, the ‘Big Catch-up’ initiative was launched simultaneously in the country’s Federal Member States (FMSs).The initiative is ongoing nationwide and aims to reach 1.5 million under-five children who have never received a vaccine, and under-immunized children.According to UNICEF, getting children vaccinated is safe and life-saving, and prevention is better than seeking a cure.Click here for more Humanitarian | OCHA and Somali government mark World Humanitarian DayMarking World Humanitarian Day this year, the humanitarian community in Somalia – led by the Humanitarian Coordinator for the country, George Conway – called on all parties to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in areas of conflict.Somalia has been experiencing one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises with millions of people exposed to suffering due to recurring and intensifying climate shocks, protracted conflicts, disease outbreaks, and economic shocks.So far this year, 124 incidents affecting humanitarian access have been recorded, including 12 aid workers injured in the process of delivering aid and 13 incidents of physical assault, harassment and intimidation. Also, two aid workers have been killed this year in the line of duty. In 2023, four aid workers were killed.OCHA held events to mark the day with representatives from the humanitarian community in Mogadishu, Garowe, Baidoa and Dhusamareb.Click here for more Terrorism | UN condemns terrorist attack on Lido BeachThe United Nations in Somalia strongly condemned the Al-Shabaab terrorist attack that took place at Mogadishu’s Lido Beach in early August, reportedly killing at least 32 people and injuring many more.In a statement, the United Nations in Somalia expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.“Lido Beach is a popular place for Somalis to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the beauty of the Somali coastline. Targeting this location is an abhorrent act that warrants the firmest condemnation,” the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said in a statement.“As we join all peace-loving Somalis in mourning this sad loss, I reaffirm the United Nations’ support for and solidarity with the Federal Government of Somalia in its efforts to ensure peace, security, and stability in the country,” he added.Click here for more Demining | UNMAS strengthens capacities of the Somalia Explosive Management AuthorityUNMAS delivered humanitarian mine action and quality assurance training to 13 representatives from the Somalia Explosive Management Authority (SEMA) hailing from Somalia’s Federal Member States and the capital, Mogadishu. The training aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to implement quality assurance processes and to monitor the safety and efficiency of demining operations. Sessions included both theory and practice components to enhance the regulator’s capability to coordinate mine action activities in the country. The theoretical phase of the training covered demining, surveys, explosive ordnance risk education, quality assurance and data verification, among other topics. During the practical phase of the training, the participants returned to their respective stations to conduct practical inspection of ongoing tasks conducted by mine action operators, applying the knowledge they had acquired.Click here for more Development | UNDP supports national identification system for SomaliaUNDP and the Somali National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) held a donor debriefing session in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on the preliminary findings of a joint NIRA-UNDP mission.That mission was aimed at evaluating the governance framework for National Identity and Digital Public Infrastructure, as well as the challenges in implementing an inclusive, transparent, and rights-based digital identity system.The debriefing session was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Abdihakim Hassan Ashkir, alongside the NIRA’s Director General, Abdiwali Abdulle.UNDP remains committed to supporting NIRA by fostering consultations, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing civic education. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of Somalia’s national ID system.Click here for more Defence| UNSOS trains Somali security personnel on communication systemsAmid offensive efforts against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, UNSOS organized a training in Mogadishu for 20 Somali security personnel on modern communication systems.The training, organised by UNSOS’ Field Technology Section, was part of ongoing capacity-building efforts to prepare the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) and Somali Police Force (SPF) to assume security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the end of 2024. The hands-on training was conducted over five days, and focused on the Motorola communication systems to enable the SNAF and SPF personnel to build the technical capacity required.“The training and equipping of the Somali Security Forces has enabled and improved the working conditions and interoperability between the army and police. We thank UNSOS for this tangible support extended to us at this critical period when so much transformation is happening within the armed forces,” said Somalia’s Chief of Defence Forces Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin.Click here for more
The event featured speeches from key figures, including the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Bare, who highlighted the critical role of youth in Somalia's progress.Click here for more Immunization | UNICEF accelerates progress towards immunizing every childThe Government of Somalia, WHO and UNICEF combined efforts to accelerate progress towards immunizing every child.Firstly, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre launched the Somalia Immunization and Polio Eradication (SIPE) Task Force, which will oversee and coordinate polio eradication and immunization efforts across the country using lifesaving vaccines.Secondly, the ‘Big Catch-up’ initiative was launched simultaneously in the country’s Federal Member States (FMSs).The initiative is ongoing nationwide and aims to reach 1.5 million under-five children who have never received a vaccine, and under-immunized children.According to UNICEF, getting children vaccinated is safe and life-saving, and prevention is better than seeking a cure.Click here for more Humanitarian | OCHA and Somali government mark World Humanitarian DayMarking World Humanitarian Day this year, the humanitarian community in Somalia – led by the Humanitarian Coordinator for the country, George Conway – called on all parties to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in areas of conflict.Somalia has been experiencing one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises with millions of people exposed to suffering due to recurring and intensifying climate shocks, protracted conflicts, disease outbreaks, and economic shocks.So far this year, 124 incidents affecting humanitarian access have been recorded, including 12 aid workers injured in the process of delivering aid and 13 incidents of physical assault, harassment and intimidation. Also, two aid workers have been killed this year in the line of duty. In 2023, four aid workers were killed.OCHA held events to mark the day with representatives from the humanitarian community in Mogadishu, Garowe, Baidoa and Dhusamareb.Click here for more Terrorism | UN condemns terrorist attack on Lido BeachThe United Nations in Somalia strongly condemned the Al-Shabaab terrorist attack that took place at Mogadishu’s Lido Beach in early August, reportedly killing at least 32 people and injuring many more.In a statement, the United Nations in Somalia expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.“Lido Beach is a popular place for Somalis to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the beauty of the Somali coastline. Targeting this location is an abhorrent act that warrants the firmest condemnation,” the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said in a statement.“As we join all peace-loving Somalis in mourning this sad loss, I reaffirm the United Nations’ support for and solidarity with the Federal Government of Somalia in its efforts to ensure peace, security, and stability in the country,” he added.Click here for more Demining | UNMAS strengthens capacities of the Somalia Explosive Management AuthorityUNMAS delivered humanitarian mine action and quality assurance training to 13 representatives from the Somalia Explosive Management Authority (SEMA) hailing from Somalia’s Federal Member States and the capital, Mogadishu. The training aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to implement quality assurance processes and to monitor the safety and efficiency of demining operations. Sessions included both theory and practice components to enhance the regulator’s capability to coordinate mine action activities in the country. The theoretical phase of the training covered demining, surveys, explosive ordnance risk education, quality assurance and data verification, among other topics. During the practical phase of the training, the participants returned to their respective stations to conduct practical inspection of ongoing tasks conducted by mine action operators, applying the knowledge they had acquired.Click here for more Development | UNDP supports national identification system for SomaliaUNDP and the Somali National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) held a donor debriefing session in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on the preliminary findings of a joint NIRA-UNDP mission.That mission was aimed at evaluating the governance framework for National Identity and Digital Public Infrastructure, as well as the challenges in implementing an inclusive, transparent, and rights-based digital identity system.The debriefing session was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Abdihakim Hassan Ashkir, alongside the NIRA’s Director General, Abdiwali Abdulle.UNDP remains committed to supporting NIRA by fostering consultations, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing civic education. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of Somalia’s national ID system.Click here for more Defence| UNSOS trains Somali security personnel on communication systemsAmid offensive efforts against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, UNSOS organized a training in Mogadishu for 20 Somali security personnel on modern communication systems.The training, organised by UNSOS’ Field Technology Section, was part of ongoing capacity-building efforts to prepare the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) and Somali Police Force (SPF) to assume security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the end of 2024. The hands-on training was conducted over five days, and focused on the Motorola communication systems to enable the SNAF and SPF personnel to build the technical capacity required.“The training and equipping of the Somali Security Forces has enabled and improved the working conditions and interoperability between the army and police. We thank UNSOS for this tangible support extended to us at this critical period when so much transformation is happening within the armed forces,” said Somalia’s Chief of Defence Forces Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin.Click here for more
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Story
17 July 2024
A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in June 2024
Economic Development | UNIDO empowers business incubators to increase financial sustainabilityUNIDO, with the support of the EU, organized a training session on financial sustainability and governance in Mogadishu. This event brought together a dynamic group of participants from local organisations such as SIMAD iLab, iRise Hub, and HarHub business incubators under the BIC Somali project. The training focused on enhancing skills in integrated reporting, innovation accounting, service blueprinting, and using artificial intelligence. These skills will increase financial resilience and strengthen innovation capacity.UNIDO is committed to empowering local incubators, fostering robust economic growth, and driving sustainable development in Somalia. By equipping these business hubs with cutting-edge skills and knowledge, UNIDO is laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and innovative future for Somalia.Click here for more Education | UNICEF supports temporary learning centersA new temporary learning center was set up in the camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Dhusamareb.Hassan, one of the beneficiaries, had never been to school. In 2021, a prolonged drought forced his family to leave their home in the Bay region, southwest Somalia, and settle in the Arladi IDP camp in Dhusamareeb.UNICEF, with support from the Government of Japan, is supporting 4,842 students in Galmudug State to access learning through temporary learning centers. There are 13 centers in South Galkayo, out of which 10 are located in IDP sites. The programme employs an Accelerated Basic Education approach, which features a compressed curriculum to enable children to catch up and be ready to enrol in the formal education system.Click here for more Housing | UN-Habitat hands over 200 permanent houses to Internally Displaced PersonsUN-Habitat handed over 200 permanent houses to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Baidoa during an event attended by the Pesident of the South West State, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen.’UN-Habitat facilitated securing the title deeds, which ensure land tenure security – vital for IDPs who are often at risk of eviction. This intervention promotes the right to decent housing and provides a durable solution towards the integration of IDPs with host communities.The houses were constructed through an owner-driven approach, with some beneficiaries participating in the construction after receiving basic training that also equipped them with skills useful for future employment.Click here for more Women Empowerment | UNFPA's innovative approach to End FGM and harmful practicesUNFPA Somalia and the UNFPA Arab States Regional Office jointly launched the EmpowerHer Challenge on 9 June, in Mogadishu. The challenge aims to empower young Somali women to combat Female Genitial Mutilation (FGM) and Child, Early, and Forced Marriage by providing a platform for women-led innovation and social entrepreneurship.Participants are provided with mentorship and training to refine their ideas and develop business plans. Only the most feasible and impactful proposals will receive funding and support to be implemented.The EmpowerHer Innovation Challenge is more than just a competition. It is a powerful movement and catalyst for change, highlighting the resilience and potential of Somali women in their efforts to eliminate harmful practices and promote a more equitable society.Click here for more Mine Action | UNMAS supports the mitigation of explosive hazardsUNMAS has successfully completed the ‘Humanitarian mine action to promote peace and safety in Somalia’ project, which aimed to address the explosive hazard contamination in Galmudug State. This was achieved by providing non-technical survey and explosive ordnance risk education to conflict affected communities.The project supported the Somali Explosive Management Authority to increase their ability to effectively coordinate humanitarian mine action interventions.UNMAS continued to enhance the capacity of Somali Police Force (SPF) to mitigate the threat of conventional munitions and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). This was done to protect the lives of internally displaced persons, returnees and communities that are living near the explosive hazard areas through the implementation of the three-year project - ‘Promoting security through enhancing the explosive disposal capacity of the SPF,’ which concluded earlier this year.Click here for more Security Council | UN Acting Special Representative briefs the Security Council’s meeting on the Situation in SomaliaThe Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Somalia (UNSOM), James Swan, briefed the UN Security Council on Somalia on Monday, 24 June. He covered a range of topics including political development, regional stability, security situation, humanitarian issues, and women, peace and security. He also congratulated Somalia on its election as a member of the Security Council for 2025-2026, stating that this achievement demonstrated the progress Somalia has made over the past three decades in its journey from conflict to recovery.Click here for more Shelter | UNHCR constructs shelters in DollowTransitional shelters were handed over to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Kaharey IDP site in Dollow with the help of UNHCR. This initiative aims to provide relief and support to those affected by climatic events in the region. These shelters provide a safe space for IDPs to rebuild their lives with dignity. The shelters are equipped with sturdy roofs, secure doors, and ventilation to provide comfort and protection. This collaboration between local government, humanitarian partners, and community members shows unity and cooperation in addressing crises and improving the lives of those affected by displacement.Click here for more Disease Surveillance | WHO supports strengthening disease surveillanceWHO-supported Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response system (IDSR) improves the efficiency and effectiveness of health information systems. IDSR data are hosted on DHIS2 - an open-source software platform used nationally to collate district health information. Health workers use this platform to record real-time information on health events and analyse data for early detection and prompt response to disease outbreaks.Future plans include completing the final phase in 2024 to enhance public health surveillance by introducing community-level surveillance and improving laboratory capacities, supported by WHO's three-year plan.Click here for more Climate Action | FAO, Government and international partners launch the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP)The Somali government, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and international partners launched the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP), a large-scale, transformative initiative that aims to build resilience and improve well-being for communities along the Shabelle river.The initiative aims to benefit over 300,000 people with improved access to water for irrigation, reduce flood risks for 1.5 million people, mitigate drought impacts for 1.65 million people, increase local food production, and reduce humanitarian costs significantly.The launch highlighted the need for a new approach to business that addresses both immediate and long-term needs to transform communities towards sustainable growth.Click here for more
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Story
09 June 2024
Omar Ali Hassan: A passion for Somalia’s artistic and cultural heritage
Mogadishu – Seven-year-old boys can have a wide range of interests. For some, the mechanical world of cars and trains appeals. For others, it is the rugged world of adventure and swashbuckling derring-do.For Omar Ali Hassan, it was something quite different.“Unlike other children who pursued typical childhood pastimes, I found myself enthralled by poetry and song and literature,” says Mr. Hassan, who is also known by the nickname ‘Serbia.’“I cannot describe the passion and desire I have for these – I believe it is part of my being,” he adds. “It’s a hobby that cannot be replaced!”As a young boy, he would spend time hanging around his father and his friends, who would regularly gather to listen to radio programming on a wide range of topics, and then discuss what they had heard.“The radio became a constant companion, its broadcasts transporting me closer to a community of adults who shared my fascination. Back then, radios were a rarity, and I treasured the company of my father's friends who would gather to listen.” Those group radio-listening sessions set Mr. Hassan on a course to becoming something of an expert on Somali cultural traditions – so much so that he has made a career out of it.Different directionBorn in 1991 in Qorijabley, 20 kilometres south of Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, Mr. Hassan did not hail from an artistic background, with his family working in the informal sector – far from the arts and culture scene.His educational journey was also far from the Somali arts and culture scene.In 2002, he was enrolled in the Aw-Bustaale Madrasa, where he spent three years immersed in Quranic studies, alongside subjects like mathematics, Somali and Arabic writing.Three years later, he transitioned into mainstream secular education. He was enrolled at the Omar Bin Khattab School in the sixth grade, before going on to the Alnilean High School, a Sudanese government-run institution in the city. He graduated from secondary school in 2010.He started his tertiary education at the Hargeisa campus of Alpha University, from where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in media studies in 2014.At the same time, he also enrolled in the Open University of Sudan, a Khartoum-based institution offering courses through distance education. Mr. Hassan completed a bachelor’s degree in education there, also in 2016.From there, he went in to earn two more degrees – a master’s degree in international relations and diplomacy from Mount Kenya University in Thika, Kenya, from which he graduated in 2023; and a master’s degree in educational planning and policy management from SIMAD University in Mogadishu in 2024.The educational path ties into his passion.“These educational qualifications help me to interact with people at an intellectual level. They have also provided me with the skills to conduct research, give interviews and write publications on arts and culture,” Mr. Hassan notes.Working tooWhile Mr. Hassan’s studies may not have been centred on arts and culture, his employment was a different story altogether.In 2011, he got his first break – he joined Oodweyne Media. He covered a wide range of news developments, including politics and economics, and also got the opportunity to report on arts and culture.“Working as a journalist for this platform provided me with the opportunity to dig deeper into Somali literature and culture,” Mr. Hassan says.Concurrently, he also worked as a freelancer and got writing assignments with local newspapers such as Geeska Afrika and Haatuf, to which he has been contributing articles since 2013. The work allowed him to interact with prominent and established artists, as well as promising and aspiring new artists, from Somalia’s musical and poetry scenes. Mogadishu-boundEventually, he knew he had to go to the locus of the Somali arts and culture scene: Mogadishu.He moved there in 2015, taking up a job as a producer with a prominent media outlet, the Goobjoog Media Group. In this new position, he continued his work on programmes related to music, art, poetry and literature. He also kept freelancing on the side, including working with the National Theatre of Somalia for a year ahead of its long-awaited reopening in 2020.“In 2019, I joined a local cable TV provider, Astaan, which has a variety of media platforms, and where I became the director of a special channel for literature and music – this allowed me to devote myself to these areas,” he recalls.In addition to his studies and employment, Mr. Hassan started something else: a mission to collect and record the history of Somali arts and literature. This involved interviews with prominent poets, songwriters, musicians, playwrights, culture and arts scholars, as well as carrying out in-depth research and analysis of archival documents and recordings. “I travelled all over Somalia to meet with families of well-known Somali arts and culture figures, but also neighbouring countries such as Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya for the same reasons of research,” he says.Literary ambitionsEventually, Mr. Hassan knew his next step: a book that his fellow Somalis could read to learn more about their country’s rich arts and culture sector and heritage. Leveraging his knowledge, research and extensive personal collection, Mr. Hassan started writing a book, titled ‘Fan iyo Fannaan,’ in 2018, relaying the stories of some of Somalia’s most prominent artists in the fields of music and poetry. “Collecting the history of Somali art and artists led me to write this book,” he says. “It is a work that recaps the history and contributions of roughly a thousand Somali artists, musicians and composers.”“It touches on the history of Somali art, giving due credit to often-overlooked composers who play a vital role in creating songs,” he adds.Completed in 2022, Mr. Hassan presented the book in Somalia and abroad, with the latter including the Somali Culture Festival in London.“My primary motivation for writing this book was to contribute to the life of Somali art in any way I could. I’m happy to note that, with the current lack of strong investment in the revival and support of the arts, this book is already being used as a reference by young scholars, both within Somalia and abroad, for their research on Somali art,” he says. National effortsThe Somali authorities have been keen to draw interest in and engagement with the country’s arts and culture. Efforts in this regard include the Somali Academy of Science and Arts (SOMASA) resuming its activities in December 2016.After being closed for decades due to the civil war, SOMASA is tasked with promoting, coordinating and monitoring activity in the science and arts sectors. The reopening of the National Theatre on 1 July 2020 was also a significant part of the country’s cultural revival. The United Nations recognises the vital role of arts and culture in promoting peace, social cohesion and development in Somalia.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has stated that art nurtures creativity, innovation and cultural diversity for all peoples across the globe and plays an important role in sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity and dialogue. In this way, furthering the development of art also furthers our means to achieve a free and peaceful world.In November last year, the UN supported artists in Somalia by organising the country’s first-ever human rights art competition, in collaboration with the National Museum of Somalia.Link to the original story.
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Story
09 June 2024
A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in May 2024
Human Development | UNDP launches Human Development ReportSomalia is taking a significant step forward in its development agenda by prioritising investment in human capital. At the Biannual Human Capital Development Forum in Mogadishu, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre urged the world community to help expand investment in building human capital in Somalia. Prime Minister Barre highlighted that Somalia has untapped resources and investment in enhancing the skills of the community and education can significantly contribute to the country's growth, development, and efficient utilisation of its resources. Human capital development is the fourth pillar of our National Transformation Plan, integral to the Dan Qaran government. Our society cannot progress without advancing human capital.Click here for more Midwifery | UNFPA celebrates International Day of the MidwifeOn May 5th, we celebrated the International Day of the Midwife across Somalia and Somaliland, under the theme "Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution." In Mogadishu, the event, hosted by the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) and supported by the Somali Midwives Association and the Federal Government of Somalia, showcased the strong collaboration between these organisations. In Puntland, a commemorative event organised by Puntland Midwives Association, honoured the indispensable role of midwives in healthcare. In Somaliland, the crucial contributions of midwives to maternal and child health were recognised, with thanks to CAM, the Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association, and the Government of Somaliland. This significant day was made possible by generous funding from the Government of Canada, underscoring the global commitment to supporting midwives and their vital work.Click here for more Capacity building | IOM supports Community Policing training initiativeIn states of insecurity, the relationship between communities and local authorities can break down. Taking steps to repair a dynamic of mistrust, the Ministry of Internal Security of Hirshabelle State and the Adale District Authority collaborated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to launch a Community Policing training initiative. This effort was designed to strengthen the operational capacity for Community Policing and improve the fractured relationship between law enforcement and Adale’s residents while fostering a partnership grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.Click here for more Economic Development | UNIDO launches Second Cohort BIC Somali programUNIDO Somalia launched the Second Cohort BIC Somali program, funded by the EU, providing training and business pitch opportunities for 180 candidates in Mogadishu and Hargeisa. Additionally, UNIDO, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, launched the First Cohort Somali EDUs Satellite program, establishing satellite incubation centres with training and business development opportunities for 30 entrepreneurs in Baidoa, Kismayo, and Bosaso. These initiatives empower Somali entrepreneurs and foster business growth across the country.Click here for more Climate change | WFP mitigates climate crisis in vulnerable districtsAs the rainy season unfolds in Somalia, the World Food Programme (WFP) underscores the pivotal role of anticipatory action and community engagement in mitigating the effects of climate shocks. By proactively identifying triggers and mobilising resources before disaster strikes, WFP aims to break the cycle of emergency assistance, prioritising prevention, and resilience-building. Collaborating closely with the Somali Disaster Management Agency and other partners, WFP activated anticipatory action triggers in vulnerable districts across Somalia, facilitating timely evacuations and resource provision. Through these efforts, WFP managed to alert over 1.89 million people with early warning information via radio and mobile ringtones and provided cash transfers to almost 80,000 vulnerable people to help them prepare.Click here for more Emergency | UNMAS responds to explosive ordnance incidentUNMAS explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) team responded to an explosive ordnance (EO) incident in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, located in Adale district, in the southern Middle Shabelle region of Somalia. Three children, two boys and one girl started playing with the EO which led to the explosion of the device. All three children were injured. A UNMAS-contracted EORE team was deployed to the site and engaged with the community to collect necessary information about the incident. Additionally, the team facilitated nine emergency EORE sessions, benefiting 68 members of the IDP community consisting of 19 boys, 17 girls, 23 women and nine men. The team also issued each beneficiary with EORE leaflets conveying safety messages and provided 35 risk education talking devices to the administration of the IDP camp, community leaders, madrassa teachers and mothers.Click here for more Humanitarian | OCHA coordinates flood responseOCHA is working with the Federal Government and other partners to respond to the impact of the Gu (April to June) rains. Partners have so far reached 157,000 people with some form of assistance. An estimated 225,759 people have been affected, including 38,727 people displaced or relocated, as of 14 May. The heavy rains and floods have also resulted in the loss of livelihoods, including livestock, cropland, damaged small businesses and destroyed infrastructure including shelter, water sources, latrines, schools, and damaged roads. Additionally, 5,899 hectares of agricultural land have been inundated by the floods, jeopardizing food security. At least 770,000 people could be affected by the time the Gu season ends.Click here for more Maternal health | WHO improves maternal health outcomesWHO's impact in countries is prominently featured at the top of the report, categorised by region, with a dedicated navigation tab for "Impact in Countries" accessible throughout. Somalia impact story is now live “2022-2023 End-of-Biennium Results Report” and launched on the WHO website which featured the WHO, alongside UNFPA, UNICEF and the MoH, has crafted and funded the development and revision of Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health Strategy for the 2023–2027 period.Click here for more Flood response | UNHCR launches distribution tool to flood victimsIn May, UNHCR launched a new Global Distribution Tool (GDT) to streamline the distribution of aid to flood-affected populations. This tool has been designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of recording and updating beneficiary data, tracking distribution activities, and generating reports. The GDT tool promises to ensure transparent and effective distribution processes. UNHCR in partnership with African Volunteers for Relief Development has utilized the GDT tool to complete the packaging of non-food items kits for the most vulnerable 4,000 DEYR flood-affected individuals. By leveraging the GDT tool, UNHCR aims to enhance the well-being and resilience of the affected populations, contributing to the overall improvement of their living conditions.Click here for more Political | New acting UN Special Representative for SomaliaThe Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Somalia (UNSOM), James Swan, arrived in Mogadishu on 26 May. Mr. Swan’s focus will be to support the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali people to advance their peace, security, development, and state-building priorities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced his designation of Mr. Swan on 14 May. Mr. Swan previously served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM from 2019 to 2022, after a long career in the United States diplomatic service.
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Story
19 May 2024
Smart Irrigation transforms the lives of residents and Internally Displaced Persons in Baidoa, Somalia
May 9, 2024 - Baidoa City is the epicenter of the displacement crisis in Somalia, experiencing a significant entry of internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to conflict, drought, and other socio-economic challenges. Consequently, the city faces massive pressures on its resources, infrastructure and social services. The arrival of IDPs has impacted the already limited infrastructure and opportunities, i.e., access to water, food, and employment, exacerbating the challenges faced by both displaced individuals and the host community.In response to these challenges, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), in collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia, the Southwest Government, Baidoa Municipality, and with funding from the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), a smart irrigation project was successfully implemented in the Barwaaqo IDP site, in Baidoa. The initiative has not only addressed immediate concerns related to food insecurity and water shortages but has also fostered social integration, inclusion, and climate resilience. Additionally, this project seeks to promote revenue generation and local economic development. Its linkages with the constructed market facility underscore a holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing IDPs. The Smart Climate Irrigation project in Baidoa addressed the pressing need for sustainable water provision and food production. Key components of the project included establishing a solar-powered drip irrigation system, a greenhouse, an elevated water tank and an underground water reservoir. The project has constructed multiple facilities, including water kiosks, which now serve over 50 individuals each hour, and water troughs for livestock. Before the project’s implementation, the community faced severe challenges in accessing water, with women and children traveling up to 5.7 kilometers to collect water, impacting their time, health, and overall well-being. Additionally, the project constructed essential facilities such as gender-segregated prayer rooms, storage facilities and a caretaker room. Furthermore, a backup generator was procured to guarantee uninterrupted operations, particularly during periods of power outages. The project aimed to promote agricultural resilience and socio-economic development in Baidoa, which is is the largest city of the South West State of Somalia, by integrating advanced irrigation technologies with sustainable infrastructure and essential amenities. Notably, the smart irrigation scheme has created 57 direct jobs and 375 indirect job opportunities, divided into 281 IDPs and 94 individuals from the host communities. This boost in employment will foster economic growth and local economic development. Directly, the project has enhanced the living standards of 57 households, with 70% of these beneficiaries being women, empowering them to take lead roles in nurturing their families and community. “I want to plant spinach, cabbage, bell peppers, sweet pepper. I will really benefit. I am planning to use the produce from the farm for our daily home consumption and to sell the rest in the market. I will use any profit from selling the products of the farm to pay school fees for my children and buy clothes for them” Hodan Omar Isak. “We are fetching water for 5.7 km each day, and with this project, we can easily access water through solar-powered water kiosks with a distance of 200m” Fatimo JamaIn conclusion, the smart irrigation project in Badioa City not only stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovative solutions and community collaboration but also as a beacon of hope for the future. By addressing water scarcity, fostering economic opportunities, and promoting inclusivity, the project has not only improved the quality of life for residents but also laid the foundation for sustainable development and resilience. As communities continue to thrive and grow, the legacy of this project will endure, serving as a beacon of hope and progress for generations to come.The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is the United Nations' flagship catalytic financing entity for the world’s 45 least developed countries (LDCs). With its unique capital mandate and focus on the LDCs, UNCDF works to invest and catalyse capital to support these countries in achieving the sustainable growth and inclusiveness envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.UNCDF builds partnerships with other UN organizations, as well as private and public sector actors, to achieve greater impact in development, specifically by unlocking additional resources and strengthening financing mechanisms and systems contributing to transformation pathways, focusing on such development themes as green economy, digitalization, urbanization, inclusive economies, gender equality, and women’s economic empowerment.A hybrid development finance institution and development agency, UNCDF uses a combination of capital instruments (deployment, financial and business advisory and catalysation) and development instruments (technical assistance, capacity development, policy advice, advocacy, thought leadership, and market analysis and scoping), which are applied across five priority areas (inclusive digital economies, local transformative finance, women’s economic empowerment, climate, energy, and biodiversity finance, and sustainable food systems finance). Link to the original story.
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Press Release
01 September 2024
2 in 3 children in Somalia live in severe food poverty due to inequity, conflict, and climate crises – UNICEF
MOGADISHU, 13 August 2024 – Around 63 per cent of children in Somalia, or two in three, have experienced severe food poverty in their early childhood, making them up to 50 per cent more likely to experience wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition, a report released by UNICEF reveals.
The report, Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood, analyses the impacts and causes of dietary deprivation among the world’s youngest people in nearly 100 countries and ranks Somalia among 20 countries, which accounts for two-thirds of the total number of children living in severe food poverty. The report warns that millions of children under the age of five are unable to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet to sustain optimal growth and development in early childhood and beyond.Children who consume, at most, two of eight defined food groups are considered to be in severe child food poverty. Four out of five children in this situation are fed only breastmilk, milk, or a starchy staple, such as rice, maize, or wheat. Less than 10 per cent of these children are fed fruits and vegetables. And less than 5 per cent are fed nutrient-dense foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, or meat. In Somalia, among children aged 6-23 months, only 1 in 5 are fed eggs, fish, poultry, or meat, and 2 in 3 consume zero vegetables or fruits.“Child food poverty is a serious issue in Somalia that has been compounded by the cycle of climate-induced crises and conflicts,” says UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed. “It makes children vulnerable to both chronic as well as severe malnutrition. Together with the government and other partners, we need to do more to improve the food system for young children and enable families to have access to a wide variety of locally available foods, especially fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables, which are currently limited in their diets.”The report warns that while countries are still recovering from the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of growing inequities, conflicts, and the climate crisis have pushed food prices and the cost of living to record high levels.
Of the 181 million children living in severe food poverty globally, 65 per cent reside in just 20 countries, including Somalia, where over 80 per cent of caregivers reported that their child had been unable to eat for an entire day. Around 64 million affected children are in South Asia, and 59 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Somalia tops the list in Eastern and Southern Africa.Globally, the report finds nearly half (46 per cent) of all cases of severe child food poverty are among poor households where income poverty is likely to be a major driver, while 54 per cent – or 97 million children – live in relatively wealthier households, among whom poor food environments and feeding practices are the main drivers of food poverty in early childhood.
Several factors are fueling the child food poverty crisis, including food systems that fail to provide children with nutritious, safe, and accessible options, families’ inability to afford nutritious foods, and parents’ inability to adopt and sustain positive child-feeding practices. In many contexts, cheap, nutrient-poor, and unhealthy ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages are aggressively marketed to parents and families and are the new normal for feeding children. These unhealthy foods and beverages are consumed by an alarming proportion of young children experiencing food poverty, displacing more nutritious and healthier foods from their daily diets.To end child food poverty, UNICEF calls on governments, development and humanitarian organizations, donors, civil society and the food and beverage industry to urgently:Transform food systems so that nutritious, diverse, and healthy foods are the most accessible, affordable, and desirable option for caregivers to feed young children.Leverage health systems to deliver essential nutrition services to prevent and treat malnutrition in early childhood, including support for community health and nutrition workers to counsel parents and families on child feeding and care practices.Activate social protection systems to address income poverty through social transfers (cash, food, and vouchers), in ways that are responsive to the food and nutrition needs of vulnerable children and their families.
To accelerate actions to prevent, detect and treat severe child food poverty and malnutrition, the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) was launched last year at the global food security summit in London, co-hosted by the President of Somalia, His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Led by UNICEF, with the support of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the CNF is a multi-partner financing mechanism that incentivizes domestic investments to end child malnutrition. UNICEF urges governments, donors and financial partners to support the CNF and prioritise sustainable policies and practices to end severe child food poverty and malnutrition.
The report, Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood, analyses the impacts and causes of dietary deprivation among the world’s youngest people in nearly 100 countries and ranks Somalia among 20 countries, which accounts for two-thirds of the total number of children living in severe food poverty. The report warns that millions of children under the age of five are unable to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet to sustain optimal growth and development in early childhood and beyond.Children who consume, at most, two of eight defined food groups are considered to be in severe child food poverty. Four out of five children in this situation are fed only breastmilk, milk, or a starchy staple, such as rice, maize, or wheat. Less than 10 per cent of these children are fed fruits and vegetables. And less than 5 per cent are fed nutrient-dense foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, or meat. In Somalia, among children aged 6-23 months, only 1 in 5 are fed eggs, fish, poultry, or meat, and 2 in 3 consume zero vegetables or fruits.“Child food poverty is a serious issue in Somalia that has been compounded by the cycle of climate-induced crises and conflicts,” says UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed. “It makes children vulnerable to both chronic as well as severe malnutrition. Together with the government and other partners, we need to do more to improve the food system for young children and enable families to have access to a wide variety of locally available foods, especially fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables, which are currently limited in their diets.”The report warns that while countries are still recovering from the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of growing inequities, conflicts, and the climate crisis have pushed food prices and the cost of living to record high levels.
Of the 181 million children living in severe food poverty globally, 65 per cent reside in just 20 countries, including Somalia, where over 80 per cent of caregivers reported that their child had been unable to eat for an entire day. Around 64 million affected children are in South Asia, and 59 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Somalia tops the list in Eastern and Southern Africa.Globally, the report finds nearly half (46 per cent) of all cases of severe child food poverty are among poor households where income poverty is likely to be a major driver, while 54 per cent – or 97 million children – live in relatively wealthier households, among whom poor food environments and feeding practices are the main drivers of food poverty in early childhood.
Several factors are fueling the child food poverty crisis, including food systems that fail to provide children with nutritious, safe, and accessible options, families’ inability to afford nutritious foods, and parents’ inability to adopt and sustain positive child-feeding practices. In many contexts, cheap, nutrient-poor, and unhealthy ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages are aggressively marketed to parents and families and are the new normal for feeding children. These unhealthy foods and beverages are consumed by an alarming proportion of young children experiencing food poverty, displacing more nutritious and healthier foods from their daily diets.To end child food poverty, UNICEF calls on governments, development and humanitarian organizations, donors, civil society and the food and beverage industry to urgently:Transform food systems so that nutritious, diverse, and healthy foods are the most accessible, affordable, and desirable option for caregivers to feed young children.Leverage health systems to deliver essential nutrition services to prevent and treat malnutrition in early childhood, including support for community health and nutrition workers to counsel parents and families on child feeding and care practices.Activate social protection systems to address income poverty through social transfers (cash, food, and vouchers), in ways that are responsive to the food and nutrition needs of vulnerable children and their families.
To accelerate actions to prevent, detect and treat severe child food poverty and malnutrition, the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) was launched last year at the global food security summit in London, co-hosted by the President of Somalia, His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Led by UNICEF, with the support of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the CNF is a multi-partner financing mechanism that incentivizes domestic investments to end child malnutrition. UNICEF urges governments, donors and financial partners to support the CNF and prioritise sustainable policies and practices to end severe child food poverty and malnutrition.
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Press Release
11 June 2024
Somalia needs US $230m to support post-flood recovery and reconstruction for 2.5m affected people
Mogadishu, 11 June 2024 :The Government of Somalia requires US$230 million to address the recovery efforts following the devastating 2023 Deyr floods that affected more than 2.5 million people.The rapid Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report prepared and released today by the Government, in collaboration with the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union, reveals that the 2023 Deyr floods caused US$176 million in losses and damages across sixteen districts. The floods resulted in 188 fatalities and displaced over 2 million people.According to the report, direct damages to agriculture, water and sanitation, education and other key sectors surpassed US$126.6 million, while losses amounted to US$49.5 million. The agriculture and livestock sector requires the highest recovery investments, followed by Transport and Housing.“The recent floods left significant destruction of property and loss of lives in Somalia, affecting millions of lives, and increasing vulnerabilities of an already vulnerable population. As we navigate the path to recovery, our collective efforts must prioritize resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable solutions towards disaster management in the country. Together with our partners, we are committed to building back better, ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmad Jama addressing the formal report launch ceremony in Mogadishu.“The PDNA was a joint, collaborative and coordinated effort between the Government of Somalia, the European Union, the United Nations and the World Bank. The Somali Government together with all stakeholders will continue their efforts and provide detailed plans addressing the recovery needs, aiming to strengthen the resilience of communities against future floods. The EU will remain a consistent and solid partner in supporting recovery and economic growth,” said EU Ambassador, Karin Johansson.The assessment reveals escalating food insecurity, with an additional 304,980 people facing various levels of food stress and crisis. The cascading impact of floods has worsened the situation for 1.5 million children under five, who are projected to experience severe malnutrition. Beletweyn, Dolow, Baardhere, Baydhaba, and Kismayo are among the most affected regions, making up almost 70% of total losses and damages.Poverty levels are expected to deepen, particularly among the most vulnerable groups, including nomadic populations, rural communities, children, and female-headed households, as the floods hit the country while it was still grappling with the severe 2020-2023 drought. The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mr. George Conway noted that the report will inform recovery efforts of all stakeholders in Somalia “It is important that the results of the PDNA help us prioritise immediate interventions necessary to address the impact of the floods - restoring livelihoods, housing, water and sanitation services, as well as rebuilding key infrastructure such as bridges. The results of this PDNA should feed into other long-term national planning processes in order to link up immediate recovery needs with longer-term plans and investment priorities,” said, Mr. Conway.The findings and recommendations from the report are expected to inform key players about the disaster's needs and encourage national and international response efforts to mobilize support for timely recovery.“The World Bank supported flood response collectively puts government in the driver’s seat to coordinate and oversee the emergency response, such as by providing $80m financing from the Bank’s Crisis Response Window (CRW) to provide Emergency Cash Transfers (ECT) to 215,000 households,” said Kristina Svensson, World Bank Country Manager for Somalia. “We are also supporting longer-term disaster preparedness by investing in flood risk management infrastructure, strengthening hydromet services and emergency response capacities, and helping to diversify disaster risk financing.”The report benefited from financial and technical support of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) of the World Bank. Technical and financial support has also been provided by the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP)-EU partnership under the Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance and Recovery Capacities project implemented by UNDP and the EU Foreign Policy Instrument which supports the tri-partite cooperation on crisis assessments. ——————————————————————————————————FOR MEDIA INQUIRES: Halima Yusuf Hassan, Communication Focal Point, Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA)
| Phone: +252610756330 | Email: communications@sodma.gov.so | https://sodma.gov.so/english | Abdilatif Maalim Adan, Communications Specialist, UN Resident Coordinator Office in Somalia | Phone: +252610999988 | Email: abdilatif.adan@un.org | https://somalia.un.org/en |
| Phone: +252610756330 | Email: communications@sodma.gov.so | https://sodma.gov.so/english | Abdilatif Maalim Adan, Communications Specialist, UN Resident Coordinator Office in Somalia | Phone: +252610999988 | Email: abdilatif.adan@un.org | https://somalia.un.org/en |
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Press Release
09 June 2024
UN congratulates Somalia on Security Council seat
Mogadishu – The United Nations in Somalia congratulates the Somali government and people on their country's election today to a seat on the UN Security Council for 2025-2026.“Somalia has come a long way over the past three decades on its path to peace, prosperity, and security. Election to a seat on the Security Council is recognition of that commendable progress,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.“Somalia’s experiences place it in a unique position to contribute to Council deliberations on international peace and security,” he added. Somalia last served on the UN Security Council in 1970-1972.
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Press Release
17 April 2024
UN extends Eid al-Fitr greetings to all Somalis
Mogadishu — The United Nations in Somalia extends its warmest greetings to all Somalis as they celebrate the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. “The United Nations family wishes ‘Ciid Wanaagsan’ to the people of Somalia. Eid al-Fitr is a time for celebration of the values of togetherness, compassion, and reconciliation. These values are part of the firm foundation on which Somalia is building its future and are shared by the United Nations. Eid Mubarak to all,” said the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing.
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Press Release
10 March 2024
On International Women’s Day, UN calls for investing in Somali women’s participation and representation
Mogadishu –On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the United Nations today called on the Somali authorities to invest greater effort in ensuring women’s inclusion in politics and making the minimum 30 per cent quota for women’s parliamentary representation a reality.“The minimum 30 per cent quota will go a long to helping promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Somalia. Despite numerous challenges, Somali women continue to make significant contributions to peacebuilding and reconciliation – this is through service as Members of Parliament, on civil society organisations and on youth associations, to name a few – but there needs to be even more investment of resources to build on this progress as investing in women is a cornerstone for building inclusive societies,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing.“Somali women continue to remind stakeholders that ensuring inclusion and the 30 per cent quota in legislation is an achievable request given commitments already made by Somali leadership in the past,” she added.Somali women leaders have been engaging stakeholders – including the National Consultative Council, religious and traditional leaders, the Speakers of Parliament, the Independent Constitutional Review Commission and the Oversight Committee – on the need for legislation and mechanisms to implement and achieve the women’s quota.In Somalia, the UN supports the Federal Government in its efforts to increase women’s political participation and enact laws that strengthen the protection of women and girls, that comply with Somalia’s human rights obligations and meet international human rights standards. The UN also partners with the Federal Government and civil society to end harmful practices such as female genital mutilation.The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.’ The occasion has been observed around the world since 1875 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, as well as to mark a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
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