A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in February 2026
A snapshot of some of the activities of the UN work in Somalia.
Health| UNICEF acknowledges progress made to address FGM in Somalia
In 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.
Political Support| UNTMIS urges dialogue between Federal Govt and Future Council
Following 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.
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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.
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.
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Environment| Somalia launches national biodiversity conservation programme
The 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.
UN entities involved in this initiative
Goals we are supporting through this initiative
