A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in February 2025
A snapshot of some of the activities of the UN in support of Somalia priorities
Governance| UN-Habitat advances Institutionalization of the Mayors’ Forum in Somalia
UN-Habitat facilitated a two-day workshop hosted by the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation to institutionalize the Mayors’ Forum in Somalia. Attended by mayors and Directors General from Federal Member States, the workshop clarified the forum’s structure, its distinction from Local Government Associations, and the implications of ministry-led versus government-led approaches.
UN-Habitat has been supporting local governance strengthening, including providing Local Leadership Management training to new local leaders. In 2022, UN Habitat facilitated Somali mayors to attend a Mayor’s forum in Kigali. In 2023, the first Somali Mayor’s forum was held in Mogadishu.
During the workshop, participants discussed choosing the pathway to the transition to a local government association, which will enhance dialogue, inter-state cohesion, and service delivery, reinforcing local governance and urban development in Somalia.
Humanitarian| OCHA conducts Rapid Humanitarian Needs assessment
In February, OCHA initiated a rapid needs assessment to address the ongoing drought conditions. Trained enumerators have been deployed to selected sites across the country to gather critical data. The results of this comprehensive assessment will provide humanitarian agencies with a clearer understanding of the situation and inform the response strategies. Furthermore, OCHA is developing a drought preparedness response plan targeting priority districts. Many regions of Somalia are experiencing escalating drought conditions, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis. The situation follows the poor performance of October-December 2024 deyr rains, raising concerns about a potential large-scale crisis in Somalia.
Health| UNFPA commemorates International Day for Zero Tolerance for FGM
On 11 February 2025, UNFPA and partners celebrated the International Day for Zero Tolerance for FGM, reaffirming their commitment to ending the practice in Somalia. In collaboration with the government and UN agencies, the event featured Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. George Conway, who reaffirmed global support. Minister of Women, Family, and Human Rights Development Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi called for a legal ban on FGM. Government officials and female MPs voiced commitment, survivors shared painful testimonies, and religious leaders, CSOs, and media pledged support. The event concluded with a signed commitment to intensify efforts, reinforcing Somalia’s dedication to protecting women and girls.
Economy| UNHCR hands over Newly Constructed Market in Kismayo
In February, UNHCR, in collaboration with its partner COOPI, handed over newly constructed markets in the Luglow Integrated Settlement and Kaharey IDP site in Kismayo. More than just a place for trade, these markets serve as a lifeline, providing families with the means to earn a living, access essential goods, and regain a sense of normalcy. They create spaces where hope is rekindled, and communities can thrive together. By strengthening local economies and fostering social cohesion, UNHCR continues to stand with displaced communities on their path to a brighter, self-sufficient future.
Disability Inclusion| UNDP conducts Sign Language Training for Hearing Impaired Individuals
In Mogadishu, 25 individuals with hearing disabilities successfully graduated from a three-month Somali Sign Language training conducted by the Somali National Disability Agency in partnership with UNDP Somalia and supported by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre.
This initiative strengthens inclusive communication, improves access to essential services, and cultivates a skilled pool of Somali Sign Language professionals to support greater social and economic inclusion.
Climate Action| FAO, Somali Government, and GCF launch the Climate Resilient Agriculture project.
In February, FAO, in partnership with the Government of Somalia and with funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), launched the Climate Resilient Agriculture in Somalia (Ugbaad) project in Mogadishu—the first-ever GCF-funded climate project in Somalia.
The initiative, approved in October 2024, aims to restore 41,800 hectares, directly benefiting 1.15 million people and enhancing climate resilience for 2.1 million individuals. It will promote sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient inputs, water accessibility, and improved market access.
The launch was attended by Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Salah Jama, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. George Conway, FAO Regional Representative for Africa, Mr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, and key government officials. The leaders emphasized the importance of integrating climate resilience into national policies, ensuring sustainable solutions for farmers, agro-pastoralists, and pastoralists.
Human Rights | UNTMIS holds Film Production Workshop for Young Somali Filmmakers
In recognition of their achievements in the inaugural Human Rights Short Film Competition in Somalia (HRSFCS), 14 talented young Somali filmmakers participated in a specialized, UN-backed filmmaking workshop in Mogadishu.
Led by renowned Somali filmmaker Abshir Rageh, the workshop aimed to enhance participants’ technical skills and empower them to communicate compelling narratives about human rights issues in Somalia through film.
They explored innovative storytelling techniques, covering pre-production, production and post-production. Guest speakers included the National Theatre of Somalia’s Director Osman Abdullahi Gure, and the Chief of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Group for the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), Ari Gaitanis.
Organized by the National Theatre and the United Nations, in cooperation with the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the HRSFCS took place in 2023.
Climate Resilience | UNICEF joins Partners on Project to Pilot Recharging Water aquifers in Dollow
Unpredictable rainfall and population growth are making water scarcity a big global issue. The World Economic Forum even calls it one of the top risks for development this decade.
To tackle this, we need to find better ways to collect and use water, especially in dry areas. Rapid floods, often seen as hazards, can help if managed well.
UNICEF has partnered with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Resources to pilot a project to recharge the aquifer in Dollow. Dubbed the Managed Aquifer Recharge project, its aim to improve water supplies in arid regions by involving local communities and experts in building and maintaining water systems and creating a model that can be used in other countries.
Food Safety| UNIDO convenes inter-ministerial meeting on Food Safety
UNIDO Somalia successfully convened a kick-off meeting in February with four key ministries: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock, and Ministry of Fisheries & Blue Economy.
The meeting convened under the Somalia Agri-food Value Chain Development Programme funded by the European Union is part of efforts aimed at enhancing food safety systems and trade facilitation to strengthen Somalia’s agricultural sector. The discussions focused on institutional capacity building, quality standards and certification, livestock value addition, and challenges in fisheries and agriculture. Stakeholders emphasized aligning with international standards, improving market access, and fostering private sector engagement. The meeting concluded with actionable recommendations, including exploring solar-powered cold storage and enhancing inter-agency coordination, to drive sustainable economic growth and job creation.
UN entities involved in this initiative
Goals we are supporting through this initiative
