A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in September 2025
A monthly snapshot of the UN in Somalia activities in support of Somalia's development priorities
Immunization| Private hospitals to offer free vaccination to children in Somaliland
Private hospitals in Hargeisa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Somaliland Ministry of Health Development to provide free vaccines for children across private facilities that handle tens of thousands of births annually. This important partnership allows children aged below five years to be vaccinated free of charge at private hospitals. These efforts will in turn strengthen child health services and prevent vaccine preventable diseases like measles, polio and pneumonia.
Initially, 8 major private hospitals based in Hargeisa have signed the MOU and the arrangement will be overseen by the Private Hospitals Umbrella. Other private hospitals located in cities like Borama, Berbera, Burao and Erigavo are expected to come on board in the coming months. The expansion of the immunization efforts through private hospitals will increase the number of service centres where children can access vaccination. More access points mean fewer children dying of preventable diseases.
UNICEF advocated for and facilitated the signing of the MOU.
Security |UNMAS hands over Explosive Ordnance Disposal equipment to the Somali National Army
On 11 September, UNMAS and the Government of the United Kingdom officially handed over UK-funded explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) equipment to the Somali National Army (SNA) under the project “Strengthening the EOD Capacity of the SNA”. The new equipment will advance national security by enabling the SNA to conduct effective explosive hazard interventions, protect civilians, and strengthen the operational capacity of EOD teams during military operations. Implemented by UNMAS Somalia, with funding from the UK, the project focuses on enhancing and sustaining the SNA’s EOD capabilities. The handover was attended by Somalia’s Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Forces, the British Ambassador, and the UNMAS Chief.
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Human Rights| UNTMIS supports Somali MPs in building inclusive and transparent budgeting skills
At the request of the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, UNTMIS and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights supported a three-day training in Mogadishu for 20 parliamentarians from Somalia’s federal and member state legislatures. The training focused on human rights-based public budget analysis and equipping lawmakers with tools to integrate rights principles into budget processes. Through strengthening the parliamentarians’ capacity, the initiative sought to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance aligned with Somalia’s human rights obligations.
Parliamentarians also engaged in discussions with civil society actors, exchanging experiences on budget oversight and best practices. Case studies explored how fiscal decisions affect vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, minorities, and displaced populations. The sessions underscored the importance of directing national resources to advance equality, protect rights, and meet the needs of marginalised communities, supporting Somalia’s broader agenda for sustainable, rights-based development.
Economy| UNIDO empowers young Somali entrepreneurs with the technology needed for sustainable growth
With support from the European Union, UNIDO successfully conducted Phase 1 of the Equipment Grant Distribution in Mogadishu for the first cohort winners of the BIC Somali Project. Eighteen outstanding trainees received essential equipment to enhance their operational capacity, contributing to the local economic growth, job creation, and a stronger innovation ecosystem. By fostering equal opportunities, this major milestone marks a significant step towards strengthening business resilience and promoting private sector development. UNIDO proudly champions inclusive support mechanisms, capacity building, and resource mobilization to help Somali startups thrive.
Protection| UNHCR supports conflict-affected families in Hirshabelle with essential household items.
In September, UNHCR, with the support of its Shelter Cluster partner, Juba Foundation, began distributing Non-Food Items to 350 conflict-affected households in Jalalaqsi, Hirshabelle State. The assistance includes essential household items that help families meet their immediate needs and restore a sense of normalcy after displacement. By working with local partners, UNHCR strengthens community-level response capacity while ensuring that timely and life-saving support reaches the most vulnerable. This intervention not only provides relief in the face of conflict-related hardships but also reinforces resilience and protection for affected communities in Hirshabelle.
Peacebuilding| New eco-friendly women's centre to strengthen peace and resilience in Jubaland
To empower women and promote social cohesion and resilience, IOM handed over a Women’s Resource and Training Centre in Abdalla Birole, Jubaland State. The eco-friendly centre built with sustainable features like a rooftop rainwater harvesting system, solar panels and a permagarden for local food production, offers a dedicated space for women to learn and connect. It provides access to training, income-generating opportunities and facilities including a sewing room, salon, cafeteria, office and community gathering areas, all aimed at promoting self-reliance.
Peacebuilding| UNDP and KOICA strengthen partnership to prevent violent extremism in Somalia.
Since 2006, KOICA and UNDP have worked together on development and humanitarian projects, with a strong focus on governance and peacebuilding. Building on this long-standing partnership, the two organizations are expanding their collaboration to advance peacebuilding and prevent violent extremism across the East African sub-region, with a particular emphasis on Somalia. This joint initiative aims to promote stability, strengthen community resilience, and foster sustainable peace.
UN entities involved in this initiative
Goals we are supporting through this initiative
