A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in January 2026
A snapshot of some of the activities of the UN work in Somalia.
Security| Strengthening Policing Institutions for a Safer Somalia
In 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.
Health | WHO supports training of frontline health workers
In 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.
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.
Livelihood| FAO is supporting drought-affected agropastoral householdS
Somalia 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.
Environment |UNSOS partners with Somali National University to train students in waste management
A 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.
Sustainable Development| UNIDO Empowers Somali Institutions for Sustainable Growth
Supported 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.
Economy| IOM supports local entrepreneurs in Baidoa
In 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.
UN entities involved in this initiative
Goals we are supporting through this initiative
