By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Federal Government of Somalia successfully concluded a 3-day ‘National Conference on Somalia’s Road to Resilience’ in Mogadishu on Wednesday. The conference aimed to address disaster resilience in the country and explore coordinated approaches between development, humanitarian, and recovery actors.
The event, organized by the Somalia Crisis Recovery Project SCRP Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development in collaboration with the World Bank Group, brought together key stakeholders.
These included Federal Government ministries, departments, agencies, and partners participating in SCRP, such as the Somalia Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Ministry of Health and Social Care, Ministry of Fishery and Marine Resources, Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, Ministry of Forestry, Livestock, and Range, Ministry of Air Transport and Aviation, the Special Drought Envoy, and various donors active in resilience-building.
The conference themed ‘Promoting Coordinated Resilience Building’ emphasized the importance of adopting an inclusive approach to address immediate humanitarian needs while working synergistically with long-term climate resilience and sustainable development efforts.
Ms. Kristina Svensson, World Bank Country Manager for Somalia, announced that the World Bank has extended financial aid to vulnerable communities in Somalia. She reiterated that the World Bank is committed to supporting Somalia during times of crisis through joint efforts with the Somali government and other relevant authorities.
“As a dedicated partner, the World Bank remains deeply involved in assisting Somalia during times of emergency. Acknowledging the critical needs of the most vulnerable communities, we have extended vital financial aid,” said Ms. Kristina Svensson, World Bank Country Manager.
“This assistance is designed not just for immediate relief but to empower these communities, enhancing their resilience and strengthening their capacity to overcome adversities. It is through our concerted efforts and strategic partnerships that we are committed to forging a sustainable and resilient future for the Somali people,” she added.
Somalia’s Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah (Beenebeene), expressed appreciation to international partners, particularly the World Bank, for their support in addressing challenges in Somalia.
“Expressing gratitude to our international partners, especially the World Bank, for their crucial support in addressing challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Somalia, including floods and climate change,” said Minister Beenebeene.
He emphasized the need to develop a strategic resilience and recognize mutual support between Somali communities.
“Emphasizing the importance of resilience as a key strategy. We recognize that mutual support among Somalis is essential beyond humanitarian aid. Discussing and promoting resilience itself is a pathway to overcoming our challenges,” he added.
Somalia’s Minister of Finance, Bihi Iman Egeh, underscored the importance of financing resources to support Somalia and establish robust economic measures with a focus on building resilience and promoting institutional and financial reforms.
“Highlighting the significance of financing resources to support Somalia and establish robust economic measures. Critical to focus on building resilience, including strengthening institutions and financial mechanisms to enhance community resilience. A strategic approach to both financial revitalization and crisis management is essential for building a resilient Somalia,” said Minister Bihi.
The UN Deputy Special Representative for Somalia with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Mr. George Conway, highlighted the importance of building resilience to Somalia’s critical issues like droughts, floods, and insecurity.
“Addressing critical issues in Somalia such as peacebuilding, humanitarian support, and combating national droughts is imperative. The recurrent droughts underscore the urgency of a robust response. Building resilience is paramount, especially in the face of climate change, as evidenced by the impact of flooding resulting from rains in the country. Emphasizing climate resilience is key to a sustainable future,” said Mr. Conway, the UN DSRSG.
Mr. Abdirahman Abdi Ahmed, the Minister of Planning of Jubbaland State of Somalia, expressed profound gratitude to the federal government and international support for their swift response in addressing the dual challenges of flooding caused by rain and droughts.
He emphasized the collective acknowledgment of the resilience demonstrated by the Somali people as they navigate through the adversities of natural disasters.
“Emphasizing the importance of resilience to surmount challenges, I extend gratitude on behalf of federal member states to all partners and the government of Somalia for their prompt response to address the dual challenges of flooding caused by rain and droughts in our country. Acknowledging the resilience of our people as we navigate through these adversities,” said Jubaland State’s Minister.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering resilience and sustainable development in Somalia, addressing both immediate and long-term challenges.
Somalia continues to grapple with humanitarian needs posed by three decades-long conflicts and climate shocks such as famine, droughts, and floods, which caused the displacement of thousands of families.
The government’s report shows that about 8.25 million people in Somalia, around half the population, required humanitarian assistance in 2023.
Since 2011, Somalia received $13.6 billion to assist an average of 4.64 million people who are affected by natural disasters annually. Although it has appealed to humanitarian partners for $17.1 billion to meet the needs of the affected communities.
The government of Somalia is expected to reach the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion point within this month, which will clear the debts acquired during the pre-civil war era.
