UN
A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in October 2024
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Humanitarian | UNFPA and KOICA launch project to build resilience In collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Federal Government of Somalia, UNFPA launched a project in Mogadishu aimed at fostering resilience in crisis-affected communities and ensuring vital care and protection for every woman and girl in Somalia. The project, titled ‘Building Resilience for Communities Affected by Humanitarian Crisis,’ aims to improve the lives of around 540,000 people across Somalia. It is centred on increasing access to lifesaving, integrated sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services, which will ensure that women and girls can exercise their right to health, dignity, and protection. Additionally, adolescents and youth will have access to essential sexual and reproductive health services tailored to their unique needs. |
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Development | UNIDO supports agri-value chain investment conference In collaboration with UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Offices in Italy and Germany, UNIDO’s Somalia-based office facilitated the participation of 15 European companies at the first ‘International Conference on Agri-Value Chains Investments in Somalia,’ marking a significant step in mobilizing international interest in the Horn of Africa country’s agricultural development. Opened by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and featuring key stakeholders, the conference emphasized Somalia's agricultural potential and the role of sustainable partnerships in driving economic growth. Co-hosted by the federal Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the European Union (EU), the event marked the visit of the largest European business delegation ever to Somalia. With a focus on fostering international agri-partnerships, the conference attracted key global stakeholders, including government officials, EU ambassadors, and business leaders. According to UNIDO, the event resulted in agreements and technology exchanges, advancing sustainable growth in Somalia's agri-food sector and strengthening public-private partnerships. |
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Youth | UNFPA announces youth centres in Barawe and Dhusamareb In Kismayo, Jubaland, UNFPA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with support from USAID Somalia, successfully concluded a workshop aimed at improving emergency obstetric and newborn care. In Somalia, maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high due to limited access to quality healthcare. The workshop equipped healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge to save the lives of mothers and newborns during childbirth, thus contributing to a healthier future for communities across Somalia. The training reflected UNFPA’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes and strengthening the healthcare system for long-term development and well-being. |
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Food Security | FAO marks World Food Day by highlighting right to food for all Working with Somalia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and WFP, FAO celebrated World Food Day in Mogadishu with an event under the theme ‘Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future - Leave No One Behind.’ The gathering highlighted the urgent need for sustainable food systems in Somalia, where millions face critical hunger levels. Discussions focused on initiatives to enhance food security and nutrition for vulnerable communities, especially children. This year’s event also coincided with Somalia Farmers’ Day on 15 October. Observed on 16 October globally, World Food Day promotes actions aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 2, which is centred on ending hunger and improving nutrition. |
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Development | UN-Habitat supports development of Bosaso City strategy In partnership with IOM and UNDP, UN-Habitat supported the Bosaso Municipality to develop and launch the Five-year Bosaso City Development Strategy, covering from 2024 to 2029. Bosaso is now the second city in Somalia, after Baidoa, which the programme has supported in coming up with an evidence-based document to help guide rapid urbanization and locally-agreed priorities that have been aligned with national and state priorities. The document outlines the city’s strategic direction in addressing land management, improved mobility and transport for better accessibility and connectivity, service delivery, job creation and durable solutions that involve integrating displaced communities. UN-Habitat noted that these city strategies are developed following a consultative process to ensure local ownership. |
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Health | WHO supports solar power project for 26 health facilities A project supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and WHO came to a conclusion recently, ending with major enhancements in more than two dozen health facilities across Somalia. The ‘Every Breath Counts’ project aimed to improve health service delivery for children suffering from pneumonia and diarrhoea – the two biggest health threats faced by Somali children. With a financial contribution of $2 million from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, the project solarized 26 health facilities, including 17 maternal and child health centres and nine referral hospitals. The centres are fully solarized, meeting all their power needs from solar, while the referral hospitals use solar power primarily to ensure a constant oxygen supply for critically ill patients. According to WHO, the initiative not only addressed the significant lack of reliable electricity in health facilities but also improved maternal and child health outcomes, advancing universal health coverage in Somalia. |
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Political | On Mogadishu visit, top political official reaffirms UN support for Somalia During a two-day visit to Somalia in October, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the country’s peacebuilding efforts. Ms. DiCarlo emphasised the UN’s long-standing partnership with Somalia and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Somali government to address development challenges. “The UN has been a longstanding partner to Somalia and remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Somali government and its people,” Ms. DiCarlo said. “Together, we aim to build on the commendable achievements and priorities agreed upon to address key development challenges facing the country – we stand ready to work alongside the Federal Government of Somalia to accomplish this.” While in Mogadishu, the UN official met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and senior members of his team for wide-ranging discussions, in addition to meeting with representatives of civil society. In her meeting with the President, Ms. DiCarlo noted Somalia’s many achievements in the past year, including debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, the accession to the East African Community, and the lifting of the arms embargo. Looking forward, she offered her congratulations on Somalia taking up a seat on the UN Security Council in 2025-26. She also underscored the commitment of the UN to continue to support Somalia in the period ahead and to work closely on the proposed transition of UNSOM. |
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Protection | UNHCR supports safe return and reintegration In collaboration with the Somali government and key partners, UNHCR continued to welcome displaced individuals arriving under the Assisted Spontaneous Return (ASR) programme. Through this initiative, more than 500 returnees were received in October and provided with essential support to help them restart their lives with dignity and hope. The ASR programme aims to facilitate safe and dignified returns for Somali families from areas of displacement, guiding them as they reintegrate into their communities. According to UNHCR, key aspects of the reintegration process include providing access to housing, healthcare, education and employment opportunities, which are essential for stability and community building. This holistic approach addresses both immediate and long-term needs, promoting self-reliance among returnees and strengthening local economies. UNHCR remains committed to supporting the safe and voluntary return of displaced individuals, ensuring they have access to essential services and a clear pathway to sustainable livelihoods. |
