United Nations 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:

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19 November 2024

Irrigation project pour forth for displaced Somalis in Baidoa

Baidoa – Aden Sheikh Issack has a small allotment on an eight-acre communal farm in Barwaqo, a small settlement of internally displaced people (IDPs) on the outskirts of Baidoa in Somalia’s Bay region. He fled there when the conflict and hunger in his former residential area became too much to bear.At first, it was not easy surviving as a displaced person with large family but – with some external assistance – the farm has become productive and allows him to look after his wife and 11 children, as well as sell extra produce to local markets.The 50-year-old was proud to show off his farm recently to visit from the Somalia Joint Fund (SJF) – a multi-donor fund supporting Somalia’s development priorities. The visitors included representatives of the Somali government and the United Nations, and they had come to see firsthand the impact of the irrigation project which has ramped up the farmer’s output of maize, sugarcane and vegetables.“The irrigation project has been very beneficial, and we are already seeing its positive impact. I have been a beneficiary of this project since 2019 and I see better days ahead,” said Mr. Issack during the delegation’s recent visit to Barwaqo.Like Mr. Issack’s family, many local households have benefitted from the SJF’s Saameynta (transl.: ‘impact’) Programme – an eight-acre solar-powered, micro-irrigation drip serviced by a communal borehole, and set up to assist IDPs on land provided by the government.“This farm supports 57 families, with the smallest family having six members. This means we are talking about a minimum of 340 people. The total number is around 400 to 500 people and, out of the 57 families, 43 are led by women, including single mothers,” said the Director of Coordination and Monitoring in the federal government of Somalia’s Ministry of Planning, Mahamud Sicid Nur, told the visiting delegation.The four-year project will directly support 25,000 households and indirectly assist 150,000 people in South West State and Puntland, in the country’s north, by the end of 2025. International supportThe Saameynta Programme aims to provide durable solutions and scale up investments in mixed-use land development packages through drip irrigation, infrastructure improvement and small-scale business expansion. It is jointly implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), with funding provided through the SJF.According to the SJF’s manager, Peter Nordstrom, Saameynta has made important contributions to improving the economic status of displaced families. “The benefits of drip irrigation in arid or semi-arid environments are evident and its potential for creating sustainable livelihoods for communities is significant,” Mr. Nordstrom said.“At the same time,” he added, “access to land is at the heart of durable solutions for Somalia’s displacement crisis. Here in Barwaqo, the municipality has generously provided the land used for this communal farm but it is only serving a small portion of the IDP population.” Local authorities are keen to expand the project after having experienced its benefits.“In the past, we used to space the crops by about two metres when planting, but now we only space by 10 centimetres due to drip irrigation. This approach is new to us, and we are really impressed by the increased production,” Mr. Isaack told the visiting delegation.“Drip irrigation has also reduced our harvest times,” he continued. “We used to wait three months to harvest, but now we can harvest in just 15 days.”The trip was the SJF’s first joint UN-government monitoring mission, giving participants a firsthand look at the progress of ongoing programmes in the region. It was designed to explore synergies and to strengthen linkages within the SJF portfolio on the ground so as to facilitate more effective monitoring, foster learning and maximize impact through strategic collaboration and coordination between among the Federal Government of Somalia, local authorities and the United Nations.The visit also served as a platform for engaging directly with local authorities and community members.“Previously, displaced persons used to depend on aid, but now they have transitioned into farmers, producing their own food,” said the South West State’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Hussein Mohamud Sheikh Hussein. “They are now food secure and sell any surplus to earn income,” he added. “This shows that we are gradually shifting from food dependency to self-sufficient farmers.”Critical funds Launched in 2023, the SJF is a multi-donor trust fund backed by Canada, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the European Union. It aims to strengthen partnership between the Somali Government, the United Nations and international partners in support of Somalia’s national development priorities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Country-level pooled funds like the SJF are critical for the United Nations’ ability to better support development aspirations of the countries it operates in through the provision of the necessary flexibility to respond to complex challenges facing Somalia and to maximize synergies across the UN system through joint action.Originally established in 2014 and formerly known as Somalia Multi-Partner Trust Fund, the SJF is also one of the largest country-level development funds globally with more than $500 million in contributions since inception.

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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

21 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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30 April 2026

A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in April 2026

Capacity Building | UNSOS trains Somali women entrepreneursThe United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) hosted a one-day seminar in Mogadishu for 40 Somali women entrepreneurs, equipping them with knowledge of United Nations procurement procedures. The initiative reflects UNSOS’s commitment to supporting Somali women through inclusive economic opportunities and capacity-building. Participants received practical guidance on vendor registration, bidding procedures, and requirements to compete for UN tenders.By equipping women entrepreneurs with knowledge and access to networks, UNSOS is helping to bridge gaps, promote gender inclusion, support job creation and economic growth. Participants emphasized the value of accurate information and engagement, marking a step forward in empowering Somali women to compete in the global UN marketplace.Click here for more. Shelter| Supporting durable housing solutions for displaced families In Mogadishu, IOM’s Garasbaley Housing Project is helping 400 internally displaced households transition from insecure, temporary shelters to safer, more stable homes. Alongside housing, the project has improved access to essential services, including water points, sanitation facilities, lighting, and roads, enhancing safety, mobility, and connectivity. For mothers like Batulo and Mano, who once faced repeated evictions and unsafe living conditions, the project has restored a sense of safety, dignity, and hope for their children’s future. By combining shelter with basic infrastructure and community spaces, the initiative is restoring dignity, reducing the risk of eviction, and enabling families to rebuild their lives in more secure and supportive environments.Click here for more. Humanitarian| UN Relief Chief visits Somalia The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Tom Fletcher visited Somalia in April to refocus global attention on a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation marked by surging hunger and shrinking aid resources. In Mogadishu, Mr. Fletcher visited the Faynus Nutrition and Health Center, where malnourished children from dozens of displacement sites receive lifesaving treatment and spoke with caregivers and humanitarian partners. The center delivers daily nutritional treatment to more than 300 children under five with moderate and severe acute malnutrition, while over 200 beneficiaries receive free, quality outpatient care each day for common childhood illnesses and maternal health needs. Somalia has more than 1.8 million acutely malnourished children under five nationwide. Mr. Fletcher also met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to discuss recurring climate shocks and the United Nations partnership with the Government. Somalia is grappling with climate extremes, conflict, prolonged displacement and economic pressures worsened by price hikes linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which doubled fuel prices and increased the cost of basic goods. Failed rains since late 2024 caused livestock losses, water shortages and worsening food insecurity, affecting at least five million people, including over half a million displaced, with two million facing acute hunger.Click here for more. Vaccination| Somalia’s teachers support drive to end polioSomalia’s teachers are supporting efforts to end polio by helping vaccination teams reach children in high-risk communities. During a vaccination campaign in Dhusamareb, Galmudug State, teachers at local madrasas organized children and helped create a calm environment as health workers administered vaccines. Their support strengthened trust within the community and encouraged participation in immunization activities. The initiative highlights the important role teachers and community leaders play in protecting children from preventable diseases and advancing Somalia’s polio eradication efforts.Click here for more. Climate Action| Somalia launches $11.8 million climate initiative to help communities adapt to increasing shocksThe Federal Government of Somalia, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), has launched a three-year, US $11.8 million initiative, financed by the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group.The Activating Climate-Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods in Somalia (ACALS) initiative aims to help communities in Hirshabelle and Puntland safeguard their livelihoods against the growing impacts of climate shocks. It comes at a critical time, as Somalia continues to face recurrent droughts, floods and environmental degradation, placing increasing pressure on livelihoods, food systems and natural resourcesClick here for more.

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31 March 2026

A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in March 2026

Humanitarian| Partners launch advocacy strategy to respond to humanitarian needs in Somalia In response to the ongoing drought crisis, OCHA, the NGO Consortium, and Somalia Disaster Management Agency have launched drought advocacy strategy to establish a coordinated framework for action in response to the escalating drought crisis in Somalia. The Humanitarian Country Team strategy defines the overall approach, priority audiences, geographic focus, and advocacy channels to be leveraged at national, regional, and global levels. Advocacy will be evidence-driven, grounded in credible data, joint analysis, and field-based insights to clearly articulate the scale, severity, and urgency of the drought crisis. As part of the strategy, a coordinated media and public awareness campaign will be implemented to amplify the human impact of the drought and the consequences of funding cuts. The drought has affected over 5 million people.Click here for more. Security| Acting ASG, AUSSOM Head in joint solidarity visit of troops in Beletweyne and JowharActing Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, joined Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), on a During the joint visit, Ms. Sadozai honoured the dedication of AUSSOM troops in Somalia and reaffirmed UNSOS’ steadfast support towards implementation of the AUSSOM mandate. “As UNSOS, we fully recognise what you are facing every day; the sacrifices you make, the work that you do to ensure operational continuity,” Ms. Sadozai said.Click here for more. Infrastructure |Expanding climate-resilient water solutions to reduce displacementIn 2025, IOM together with authorities, scaled up climate-adapted water interventions across Somalia, constructing 12 boreholes, rehabilitating 48 shallow wells, and installing 120 water points and kiosks, reaching over 86,000 people across 20 locations, and delivering more than 46 million litres of water. Solar-powered systems improved reliability and reduced operational costs, while increased access to safe water supported livelihoods, livestock, and small-scale farming. With drought driving up to 77 percent of new displacements, these efforts are helping reduce the need to move and strengthen community stability in affected areas.Click here for more. Health | A school-based diphtheria campaign reached over 400,000 children in Puntland.
In March, a school-based diphtheria vaccination campaign was carried out across Puntland in response to the ongoing outbreak in Somalia. The campaign targeted over 400,000 children aged 5–15 years, with 683 vaccination teams deployed to reach students directly in their schools. By setting up vaccination points within school compounds, health teams were able to vaccinate children efficiently without disrupting learning, while routine immunisation services for children under five continued as planned. This campaign followed a similar effort in Banadir Region and is part of a broader national response, with plans to expand to other states. Teachers, parents, and community leaders supported the rollout, helping ensure children participated in an organised and safe environment. Using schools as entry points proved effective in reaching large numbers of children quickly, helping protect their health and keep them in class.Click here for more. Sustainable Development| UNIDO Strengthens Institutional Capacity for Sustainable DevelopmentSupported by UNIDO under the Jowhar Off-Stream Storage Programme (JOSP), the HirShabelle Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) continues to strengthen its institutional capacity through targeted, demand-driven training tailored to previously identified technical gaps.In March, the second phase of the training equipped 35 young ministry staff members with practical skills in strategic and operational planning, transparent procurement, performance monitoring using KPIs, and risk and supply chain management.By strengthening institutional systems and human capital, the initiative aims to improve departmental performance, enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, and reinforce the ministry’s role in advancing economic growth and inclusive, sustainable development in HirShabelle and across Somalia. Click here for more.

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28 February 2026

A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in February 2026

Health| UNICEF acknowledges progress made to address FGM in SomaliaIn a joint event convened to advocate for zero tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia, UNICEF commended the strong leadership and advocacy of children and civil society organizations and recognized their vital role in driving social change and protecting girls’ rights. The UNICEF Representative, Ms. Sandra Lattouf, acknowledged progress made at the national level to address female genital mutilation, while calling for sustained momentum toward the adoption of comprehensive federal legislation. UNICEF emphasized that passing laws alone is not enough—effective enforcement, accountability mechanisms, and community engagement are essential to ensure every girl is protected from harmful practices. The message reinforced the need for collective action by government institutions, community leaders, civil society, and international partners to eliminate FGM and safeguard the health, dignity, and future of all girls in Somalia.Click here for more. Political Support| UNTMIS urges dialogue between Federal Govt and Future CouncilFollowing meetings with senior representatives of both the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council in late February, UNTMIS expressed its disappointment that they had not reached agreement in their talks aimed at resolving ongoing differences and welcomed the stated commitment of both sides to continue efforts to find a constructive way forward. “We strongly encourage further dialogue in good faith. Together with other partners, we stand ready to assist Somali efforts to find a workable compromise on the outstanding issues,” the Mission added.Click here for more.
Nutrition| FAO supports 600 women to improve household nutrition through kitchen gardens.
Somalia remains one of the most climate- and food-insecure countries in the Horn of Africa, where many vulnerable households struggle to access nutritious food. Under the Climate-Resilient Livelihoods to Boost Food Production and Nutrition Outcomes (CLIMB) project, FAO, with support from the European Union, is helping 600 women-headed households in Jowhar, Kismayo, and Marka establish small kitchen gardens to improve household nutrition and dietary diversity. Each household receives climate-smart seeds and basic gardening tools and participates in Mother-to-Mother Groups led by trained TOTs. Through these sessions, women learn practical skills—from crop selection and soil preparation to harvesting and preparing nutritious meals—enabling families to maintain productive gardens, increase access to fresh vegetables, and strengthen daily nutrition and resilience.Click here for more. Infrastructure| UNOPS takes part in kick-off for the construction of a new airport in Mogadishu In February, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) joined the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) for the kick‑off meeting of the New Mogadishu International Airport project. The initiative covers the master plan, feasibility study, preliminary engineering design, and environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA).The meeting brought together senior government officials and development partners, marking an important milestone in strengthening Somalia’s air transport infrastructure. This project is expected to play a key role in supporting economic growth, improving connectivity, and advancing the country’s modernization efforts.Click here for more: Environment| Somalia launches national biodiversity conservation programmeThe Federal Government of Somalia, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), launched a US$18.9 million project aimed at conserving Somalia’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems while strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of communities living in and around protected areas.The six-year Somalia biodiversity programme is a nationwide initiative under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, with UNDP as the implementing partner. It is funded by a US$12.4 million grant from the GEF and complemented by US$1.5 million from UNDP and US$5 million in in-kind contributions from the Federal Government of Somalia.The initiative will focus on the establishment and strengthening of 11 terrestrial and marine protected areas across Somalia, totalling approximately 387,000 hectares. These include Hobyo, Harardheere, Chilani and Manari Islands, Rooboow, Jawhar, Adalle, Laagbadane (Laga Badana–Bushbush), Dhahar, Daalo Mountain Forest, Sacadin–Zeylac Archipelago, and Eyl–Garacad.Click here for more.

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31 January 2026

A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in January 2026

  Security| Strengthening Policing Institutions for a Safer SomaliaIn 2025, Somalia recorded an improved civilian-police ties, promoted a more preventive approach to safety and strengthened institutional accountability by establishing 10 Local Police Partnership Boards nationwide and empowering nearly 3,000 police officers and community members across the country through enhanced training and support.This was observed by a joint meeting of the Government and UNDP that reviewed the progress made through the Joint Police Programme Phase II (JPP II) in 2025. Anchored in Somalia’s New Policing Model and supported by the European Union and the United Kingdom, JPP II is strengthening professionalism, promoting human rights and gender equality, and rebuilding civilian-police ties. As the programme enters its final year, these achievements were approved by the JPP Steering Committee meeting, which also endorsed the 2026 plan to further expand the ongoing training and capacity enhancement activities.Click here for more. Health | WHO supports training of frontline health workersIn health facilities across Somalia, frontline health workers confront the same painful reality every day: children arriving too late, dangerously thin, and already fighting for survival. “The main goal of this training is to build the capacity of frontline health workers and nutrition programme managers to effectively implement the 2025 Somali Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) guideline,” said Dr Aweis Olow Hassan, Nutrition Officer at WHO Somalia. Unlike previous versions, the revised guideline goes beyond treatment alone. It emphasizes prevention, expands care for infants under 6 months who are at risk of poor growth and development, and includes guidance for their mothers and caregivers.Click here for more.  Empowerment| UNHCR supports refugee education In Banadir, UNHCR and partners marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 50 refugee students from a Technical and Vocational Education and Training program, in January. Centred on women’s and youth empowerment, the initiative transforms displaced individuals from aid recipients into skilled entrepreneurs by providing market-driven training and specialized starter toolkits. By breaking down barriers to economic inclusion, the program aligns with the Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) approach, ensuring women have equitable access to sustainable livelihoods. These graduates are now equipped to lead their families toward more secure futures, fostering dignity and self-reliance. This effort underscores UNHCR’s commitment to durable solutions in Somalia, moving beyond emergency relief to build a resilient foundation where refugees possess the practical tools and hope necessary to thrive within their host communities. Together, we are paving the way for long-term stability and professional growth.                    Click here for more.

Livelihood| FAO is supporting drought-affected agropastoral householdSSomalia remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the Horn of Africa, where recurrent droughts continue to threaten rural livelihoods. In Galkaacyo South District, many agropastoral households depend almost entirely on livestock, leaving them highly exposed to climate shocks. With funding from the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, FAO is implementing anticipatory action to help communities mitigate the impacts of worsening drought before losses become irreversible. The intervention provides time-critical support to protect productive assets, ensure access to animal health services, and improve communal infrastructure. By safeguarding livestock and meeting immediate needs, the initiative aims to strengthen household resilience, reduce displacement risks, and sustain livelihoods amid escalating climate pressures.Click here for more. Environment |UNSOS partners with Somali National University to train students in waste managementA group of students from Somali National University (SNU) took part in a study visit to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) waste management yard and the wastewater treatment plant in Mogadishu, to learn how the UN manages waste and protects the environment.The 20 undergraduate students of public health at the country's only public university, were taken on a guided tour of the facilities to learn hands-on skills for handling solid and liquid waste. The visit organised by the UNSOS Environment Unit in coordination with SNU, connected the students’ classroom learning with the real-life experience in public health and environmental science.Click here for more.  Sustainable Development| UNIDO Empowers Somali Institutions for Sustainable GrowthSupported by UNIDO under the Jowhar Off-Stream Storage Programme (JOSP), the Hirshabelle Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) is strengthening its institutional capacity through structured, demand-driven training to address skills gaps, enhance service delivery, improve regulatory frameworks, and build a stronger foundation for economic growth and Public–Private Partnership (PPP) development.As part of this effort, MoCI Hirshabelle previously conducted a comprehensive Process Audit Analysis. This diagnostic exercise identified critical capacity gaps, mapped existing institutional systems, defined priorities for future support, and established a clear strategic roadmap to enhance performance and operational efficiency across the Ministry.Overall, the initiative reflects UNIDO’s commitment to providing inclusive support and targeted technical assistance, empowering Somali institutions through tailored interventions that promote sustainable development and long-term self-reliance. Click here for more.  Economy| IOM supports local entrepreneurs in BaidoaIn Baidoa, small grant support is helping local entrepreneurs especially women and youth grow businesses, boost trade in markets, improve livelihoods, and create jobs for host and displaced communities. Through IOM’s Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), targeted grants are enabling small businesses and cooperatives to expand operations, hire workers, and adapt to climate challenges. To date, EDF has disbursed over USD 400,000, generating more than 150 jobs across markets and farms. These opportunities and support are driving sustainable solutions and building stronger, more resilient communities through economic empowerment.Click here for more.

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08 January 2026

Building a City of Belonging – An Integrated Approach to Durable Solutions in Somalia

For decades, displacement in Somalia often been met with short-term responses: emergency shelters, non-food item distributions, and temporary fixes designed to ease immediate suffering. Families displaced due to instability or the impact of climate change sought a place they could call "home." At Grible, just outside of Bossaso, this hope is becoming a reality. What started as a relocation project, is now an example of how the collaborative efforts of the Saameynta (which means “Impact” in English) Programme that is jointly implemented by IOM, UNDP and UN Habitat are changing lives from the ground up through an integrated approach. An integrated approach goes beyond emergency assistance to ensure displaced people have secure land tenure that protects them from eviction; access to essential services such as health care, water, and education; opportunities to rebuild livelihoods and economic independence; and initiatives that foster social cohesion and peaceful coexistence with host communities. At the heart of Grible’s transformation is land - the local government allocated land for displaced families to build a new future. With secure land tenure and formal documentation, families are protected from eviction and able to invest in their homes and communities with confidence.  Faiza Hashim Ali and her family, who relocated from Tawakal Site for displaced persons to Grible, describe the transition as life-changing.  “Before moving to Grible, life was so difficult,” she recalled. “We lived in a hut. When it rained, we paid too much for water and didn’t even have showers. It felt like we were displaced people in our own country.”   Today, Faiza and her family live in a durable home equipped with veranda and proper sanitation. Each of the 61 newly constructed houses in Grible comes with a land deed, offering something many displaced families have never had: legal recognition of ownership and protection from being displaced once again.   “This is not just shelter,” Faiza said. “It is a completely new life.” Access to services is another cornerstone of Grible’s integrated approach. Families now live within reach of water points, electricity, schools, recreational spaces, and health facilities — services that are essential not only for survival, but for restoring dignity and opportunity.  For Qali Mohamed, who spent years living in the informal settlement known as Boqolka Buush — the “Hundred Bush” — safety and access to care were once daily concerns.   “Every night we expected to be robbed,” she said. “You couldn’t leave your house, even if you were sick. We had no freedom.”   Link to the original story.

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Press Release

15 May 2026

UN agencies warn of worsening hunger and malnutrition crisis in Somalia as famine risk emerges

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned today of a rapidly intensifying hunger emergency in Somalia that is pushing 6 million people – 31 percent of the population – into critical levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) between April and June 2026. This now includes one of the worst malnutrition crises in the world impacting approximately 1.9 million children, of whom 493,000 face severe acute malnutrition, who are 12 times at higher risk of death compared to well-nourished children.
Among those projected to be acutely food insecure, close to 1.9 million are facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4), a number that has tripled in less than a year, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis report. Meanwhile, populations in agropastoral livelihoods in Burhakaba district of Bay region in southwest Somalia face the risk of famine if a worst-case scenario develops where the current April to June Gu season rains fail, food prices continue to rise sharply, and humanitarian assistance is not scaled up to reach the most vulnerable populations through June 2026. Nearly 40 per cent of children under five in this area are already acutely malnourished. This marks the first risk of famine analysis since the 2022 crisis, when famine was averted through massively scaled up and sustained humanitarian interventions in the aftermath of the longest drought on record. The current worsening crisis is driven by multiple shocks, including severe drought, insecurity, extremely limited humanitarian assistance, and the ripple effects of conflict in the Middle East, and increased risk of flooding in riverine and low-lying areas. Food prices – linked to fuel price increases and maritime supply chain disruptions – have risen by up to 20 per cent, weakening household purchasing power and pushing families closer to the brink.The compounding shocks have been exacerbated by a major reduction in services and humanitarian assistance due to severe funding constraints. More than 500 health and nutrition facilities have been closed across the country due to lack of funding, with disease outbreaks not being controlled and mortality risks rising. Total measles cases across Somalia have doubled during January to March 2026 compared to the first quarter of 2025, particularly impacting vulnerable and already acutely malnourished children. Humanitarian assistance in the most at-risk areas, including Burhakaba, is being scaled up within severely constrained resources. However, coverage remains limited nationwide, with nearly 90 percent of people receiving little or no support. The 2026 Somalia Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is currently only 15.2 percent funded. At the same time, emerging El Niño forecasts signal an increased risk of flooding later in the year, with some areas along the Shabelle River already experiencing above-average flows that may intensify sooner than expected. Alongside the continued impacts of conflict in the Middle East and insufficient support, projections suggest that levels of acute food insecurity and malnutrition will remain high through late 2026.FAO, OCHA, UNICEF, and WFP are calling for an urgent scale-up of lifesaving multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance – food security, nutrition, health, WASH – for populations in IPC Phase 3 and above, including those facing a risk of famine. Sustained and predictable funding are critical to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. “The IPC analysis paints a stark and urgent picture, with rising numbers of malnourished children and confirmed famine risk in Burhakaba district. Without immediate and sustained support from donors, the diaspora and the private sector, we risk a preventable catastrophe unfolding before our eyes. We must act now, at scale and without delay, to save lives and prevent the worst from happening,” says George Conway, Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia.“The country is at a tipping point,” said FAO Somalia Representative Etienne Peterschmitt. “The severe and prolonged drought that has devastated livelihoods, coupled with the conflict in the Middle East that has driven up food and fuel prices, and the growing risk of severe flooding linked to El Niño means that the country is at the precipice of a famine risk once again. Competing and recurring crises are placing an even greater strain on vulnerable communities. We recognize that resources are more constrained than ever, but we must act now and respond at sufficient scale to save lives and livelihoods, especially in rural areas where needs are highest”.“Across Somalia, children are facing a rapidly worsening crisis and time is running out. While communities and frontline workers remain resilient, they cannot do it alone. UNICEF is urgently scaling up lifesaving support. With swift action, we can still save lives and uphold every child’s right to survive and thrive,” says UNICEF Somalia’s Representative, Ms. Sandra Lattouf.“We are reaching a point where any further delay could cost lives,” said Hameed Nuru, WFP's Country Director in Somalia. “Families have exhausted their coping mechanisms, services and emergency assistance are extremely limited, and children are slipping into severe malnutrition across the country. We stand ready to scale up immediately and reach the hardest‑hit communities, but without immediate support, lifesaving assistance will run out when it is needed most."

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Press Release

24 February 2026

Somalia’s humanitarian crisis worsening with 6.5 million people facing high levels of hunger

Nearly 6.5 million Somalis face high levels of hunger, and more than 1.8 million children face acute malnutrition due to worsening drought, the Somali government and UN agencies have warned in a new report.The Integrated Security Phase Classification (IPC) report indicates that a third of the population – 6.5 million people – are expected to face crisis levels of hunger or worse (IPC 3 and 4) by March, an increase of 1.7 million people since January. This includes two million individuals experiencing severe hunger (IPC 4). More than 1.8 million children under five will also face acute malnutrition in 2026, almost half a million of them likely to be severely malnourished. The drought is also having a devastating effect on agriculture, with widespread crop and livestock losses in addition to large scale displacements of people. "The drought emergency in Somalia has deepened alarmingly, with soaring water prices, limited food supplies, dying livestock, and very little humanitarian funding," said George Conway, Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. "Urgent life-saving assistance is essential to save lives and prevent a collapse of pastoral and farming livelihoods, as the coming months are critical with no rains expected at least until the next Gu rains in April-June." Humanitarian needs remain immense, with current assistance addressing only the most basic survival requirements after critical funding shortfalls have left aid agencies with no choice but to reduce rations and the number of people who are able to be assisted with life-saving support, including food, nutrition, health, and water and sanitation.   Although the Gu rains expected between April and June 2026 may provide some relief, the situation will remain critical, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) warned on Tuesday. The country’s food security situation is deteriorating at an alarming rate because of prolonged dry conditions. Intensified drought has triggered widespread food insecurity, mass displacements, crop failures, livestock losses, rising food prices, and disrupted livelihoods, the report says.It indicates that food security and malnutrition rates are expected to deteriorate rapidly until the end of March 2026 with two million people classified as living in Emergency conditions (IPC Phase 4).The data shows that 1.84 million children under the age of five are expected to face acute malnutrition during 2026, including nearly half a million who are likely to be severely acutely malnourished. “The severity of this drought is undeniable and deeply alarming,” said Mohamud Moallim Abdulle, the Commissioner of the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). “Millions of our people are facing crisis levels of hunger, with many families already in emergency conditions, and an unprecedented number of children suffering from acute malnutrition. Somalia is once again at a critical crossroads as climate shocks, displacement, and declining humanitarian funding push vulnerable communities beyond their coping capacity. The tragic loss of lives in Bardhere today is a stark reminder that behind this crisis are real families in distress. We urgently call on international partners, the Somali diaspora, businesses, and civil society to scale up immediate support. SoDMA remains fully committed to strengthening coordination, enhancing transparency, and ensuring the most efficient and accountable use of the limited resources available. Together, through collective action and shared responsibility, we can save lives and protect livelihoods before conditions deteriorate further.”The drought is attributable to below-average rainfall during the Deyr season (October-December 2025) combined with current dry Jilaal season (from January to March). The effects of the drought on crops and livestock can be seen by figures which show that the Deyr season cereal harvest in southern Somalia is 83 percent lower than the long-term average from 1995 to 2025, while livestock conception and birth rates across the country are much lower than normal. Both the UN and the Somali government warned that substantial funding cuts have compelled humanitarian partners to scale back or suspend critical lifesaving programmes, including food security, health, nutrition, and water and sanitation interventions. The funding cuts come as humanitarian needs remain immense, with current assistance addressing only the most basic survival requirements. Childhood illness remains high across the country, with limited access to health and nutrition services and outbreaks of cholera, measles, and diphtheria in the southern and central regions of the country. While aid agencies in the country have the capacity and expertise to mount a comprehensive response and turn the tide of the worsening humanitarian situation, they are constrained by funding shortfalls.

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Press Release

26 January 2026

Humanitarian partners seek US$852 million to assist 2.4 million people in 2026

Mogadishu, 26 January 2026 –Today, the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations and humanitarian partners launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), which seeks US$852 million to assist 2.4 million people who need lifesaving humanitarian and protection assistance in Somalia. “The humanitarian community in Somalia stands at a critical crossroads as unprecedented funding reductions have significantly constrained the collective capacity to deliver essential and life-saving assistance,” said George Conway, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. “In parts of the country, humanitarian presence has diminished at a time when needs remain high, increasing the risk of loss of lives.”Somalia faces an intensifying humanitarian crisis driven by prolonged drought, conflict, and recurrent disease outbreaks. In 2026, 4.8 million people are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance —a reduction of 20 per cent compared to 2025 that reflects stricter needs definition rather than improved conditions. Going forward, the root causes of the crisis need to be addressed through strengthened humanitarian–development–peace nexus approaches, aligned with national priorities and implemented in close collaboration with all partners.“This plan is launched at a critical moment, as Somalia faces a severe and escalating drought following consecutive failed rainy seasons,” said Mohamud Moallim, Commissioner, Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). “Water sources are depleted, rangelands are degraded, livelihoods have been eroded, and millions of people are being pushed into acute food insecurity and displacement. Combined with ongoing conflict and recurrent climate shocks,the scale of this crisis demands an immediate, coordinated, and life-saving response.”The 2026 HNRP prioritises life‑saving assistance through principled, inclusive and accountable humanitarian action. Given limited resources, humanitarian partners will prioritise 1.6 million people living in the most severe conditions across 21 high-risk districts. The main objective is to save lives and alleviate suffering. This includes providing essential services, protection, and cross-cutting support to help families meet urgent needs quickly and efficiently.

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Press Release

14 October 2025

Norway contributes NOK 45 million to advance Human Rights and Gender Equality in Somalia

Mogadishu, 14 October 2025: The Government of Norway has announced a new contribution of 45 million Norwegian Kroner (4.5 million USD) to the Somalia Joint Fund’s Human Rights and Gender Window, reaffirming Norway’s steadfast commitment to promoting gender equality, human rights, and inclusive governance in Somalia.The support will enable the United Nations, in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia, to sustain critical investments in gender equality, women’s empowerment, human rights protection, and institutional reforms at a pivotal time in Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building process. The contribution comes as the UN and Somali authorities work closely to ensure a smooth transition from the UN Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), with strong national ownership and continued attention to human rights and gender mainstreaming.“The protection and promotion of human rights, and the empowerment of women and girls, are cornerstones of sustainable peace and development,” said Merete Dyrud, Norway’s Chargé d'affaires to Somalia. “Through our partnership with the United Nations and the Government of Somalia, we aim to strengthen national institutions and civil society actors driving this change.”H.E. Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah, Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development of the Federal Government of Somalia, expressed appreciation for the contribution, stating:“Human rights and gender equality are essential to Somalia’s National Transformation Plan and to our shared vision of inclusive development. The Somalia Joint Fund significantly contributes by coordinating international support to these priorities, helping government institutions achieve meaningful progress for all Somalis.”The Somalia Joint Fund (SJF), a multi-donor pooled financing mechanism managed by the UN and the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, plays a central role in aligning international support with Somalia’s national priorities. Its Human Rights and Gender Window provides flexible, coordinated funding to strengthen national and local capacities for accountability, access to justice, and gender-responsive governance.“Norway’s continued leadership and trust in the Somalia Joint Fund exemplify the spirit of partnership at the heart of the UN’s cooperation with Somalia,” said George Conway, the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. “This contribution will help ensure that the gains made in human rights and gender equality are consolidated and sustained during the transition and anchored in the UN’s new Cooperation Framework that will support implementation of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan.”The new funding underscores the shared commitment of Norway, the United Nations, and the Government of Somalia to protect human rights, promote gender equality, and build a more inclusive, peaceful, and resilient Somalia. Norway has been a steadfast supporter of the SJF, contributing 45.4 million USD since 2022.

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Press Release

26 September 2025

Somalia Humanitarian crisis projected to worsen with 4 million people at risk of hunger, Federal Government and UN warn

The Federal Government of Somalia and United Nations agencies today warned that hunger is likely to worsen in coming months. At least 4.4 million Somalis projected to face acute food insecurity through the end of 2025, up from 3.4 million people currently facing hunger. Additionally, 1.85 million children are likely to suffer from acute malnutrition. The hunger crisis is driven by a combination of drought, localized flooding, conflict, high food prices, and insufficient access to lifesaving health and nutrition services due to severe funding shortfalls.The alert follows the release of the 2025 post-Gu IPC analysis by the Federal Government of Somalia, through the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP). Since 2019, the Global Report on Food Crises has listed Somalia as one of the world’s most food-insecure countries, with millions facing severe hunger each year.“The situation is deeply concerning. Millions of our citizens, especially women, children, and displaced families, while millions are facing acute food insecurity. The Federal Government of Somalia, through the SoDMA and several line ministries, is collaborating with partners to enhance resilience and recovery. However, without urgent international support, the progress our nation has made could be lost. We urge donors and friends of Somalia to continue to support us during this critical time” notes Mahamoud Moallim Abdulle, Commissioner of SoDMA.Due to funding limitations, numerous organizations have had to reassess and modify their operations, resulting in decreased support across various sectors. While Somalia has demonstrated progress in recent years, these advances are at risk as significant funding reductions necessitate scaling back essential life-saving assistance. The IPC Acute Food Insecurity Situation for July - September 2025 and Projection for October - December 2025 shows that the hardest-hit groups are pastoralists with fewer animals and lower income from livestock, smallholder farmers experiencing poor harvests, and internally displaced people who have exhausted their food supplies. In the northwest regions, record lows in production indicate almost total crop failure due to poor rainfall in the Gu season, that was preceded by prolonged dry spells. Overall, 25 hotspot districts have been identified as facing both acute food insecurity and acute malnutrition; these areas require urgent multi-sector response to save lives. Renewed calls for funding Currently, the Somalia Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) for 2025 remains critically underfunded, having secured only 20.3% of its required funding (USD 289 million) out of the US$1.42 billion needed. Consequently, there remains an unmet requirement of USD 1.13 billion for the year which targeted to deliver integrated interventions to 4.6 million Somalis living in the ten most severely affected districts. “Somalia is once again facing a deepening crisis. The IPC analysis shows that without immediate action, a million of Somalis risk falling further into hunger and malnutrition. With less than a quarter of this year’s response plan funded, we are forced to make very hard choices about who receives help and who does not. We urgently call on donors to provide timely and reliable funding, so we can save lives and livelihoods, to prevent another devastating famine” notes George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator for Somalia.Malnutrition among children remains an ongoing concernChildren are suffering the most in this crisis. By mid-2026, 1.85 million children under five could face acute malnutrition, with 421,000 of them at risk of severe malnutrition which can be deadly without treatment. The assessment also highlights that children, along with pregnant and breastfeeding women in rural, displaced, and marginalized groups, are especially vulnerable. The IPC findings suggest that Somalia could face another significant humanitarian crisis unless interventions are increased, better coordinated, and adequately funded. The Federal Government of Somalia, along with UN agencies, is urging donors and the international community to enhance their support towards for anticipatory action, provide timely and flexible funding, as well as integrated assistance to safeguard the progress that has already been made.

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