ESCWA Reaffirms Commitment to Somalia’s Development on Independence Day

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BEIRUT: The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Rania Al-Mashat, has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s sustainable development and institutional capacity-building as the country marked its National Day.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Al-Mashat congratulated the Government and people of Somalia on the anniversary of the country’s independence and unification, expressing her hopes for “peace, stability, progress and prosperity.”

She said ESCWA takes pride in its growing partnership with Somalia and pledged the Commission’s continued support in advancing the country’s national development priorities.

“ESCWA remains committed to supporting Somalia’s sustainable development efforts and strengthening national capacities in line with government priorities,” the statement said.

The Commission highlighted significant progress in its cooperation with Somalia in recent years across a wide range of sectors.

Among the initiatives supported by ESCWA are the development of a conceptual framework for a labour market information system and an analytical study on labour market skills requirements. The Commission has also assisted in the formulation of Somalia’s National Strategy on Older Persons and the National Migration Strategy, while helping to review and update the National Disability Strategy and Action Plan.

In addition, ESCWA has worked to strengthen Somalia’s national statistical systems through the localization of its Monitoring and Reporting Platform for the Sustainable Development Goals (MARS), enabling improved tracking of progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Commission has also supported the development of Somalia’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

Beyond policy development, ESCWA continues to assist Somalia in strengthening its social protection system, enhancing national capacity to analyse poverty and vulnerability, and providing technical support for the implementation of the country’s Population and Housing Census.

The Commission is also collaborating with Somali institutions to improve governance, accelerate digital transformation, expand the use of advanced data analytics, and strengthen economic diplomacy.

Al-Mashat reaffirmed ESCWA’s commitment to maintaining its partnership with Somalia, saying the organization would continue working with the country to build resilient and effective public institutions capable of addressing current and future development challenges while promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.