Somalia Embraces Global Role in Disaster Risk Dialogue at UN Forum in Geneva

GOOBJOOG NEWS | GENEVA: Somalia has reaffirmed its growing role in global disaster risk management efforts, as senior officials from the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) took part in the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, held Geneva, Switzerland.

Led by SoDMA Chairman Mahamuud Macallin Abdulle, the Somali delegation actively engaged in high-level discussions and technical sessions aimed at addressing the increasing threats posed by climate change, natural disasters, and humanitarian emergencies, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected states.

The conference, organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), brought together representatives from governments, civil society, and the scientific community to advance the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, a key global agreement adopted in 2015.

Somalia’s presence was most notable in a dynamic session that featured Chairman Abdulle alongside Abdi Hakim Yusuf Eynte, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Somalia on food security and climate change. The two leaders addressed the complex realities of applying global disaster reduction strategies in countries like Somalia, where insecurity, displacement, and weak infrastructure continue to challenge long-term development.

Both speakers underscored the urgent need to build community resilience through locally-led approaches and early warning systems tailored to Somalia’s unique context. They also called for increased international cooperation in supporting fragile nations to not only recover from crises but to anticipate and withstand future risks.

Strengthening National Systems

In a strong technical showing, SoDMA officials contributed to key thematic dialogues throughout the week. Khadar Sheikh Mohamed Nur, Director of Disaster Risk Management, delivered a presentation on strengthening national systems to help communities better withstand and recover from disasters. He emphasized the importance of sustainable governance and public preparedness, particularly in regions vulnerable to extreme weather events.

Senior Advisor Fadumo Abdi Ali joined a panel on early warning communication, where she shared Somalia’s experience in delivering life-saving alerts to rural and nomadic populations. She stressed the need for culturally sensitive and timely messaging to ensure no community is left behind during emergencies.

Gender equity also featured prominently in Somalia’s engagement. Halimo Yusuf Hassan, Head of SoDMA’s Gender Unit, spoke passionately about the critical role of women in disaster preparedness and recovery. She advocated for inclusive policies that recognize the knowledge and leadership women bring to community resilience.

For Somalia, participation in the Geneva forum marked more than a diplomatic gesture, it signaled a clear intent to be a proactive partner in international disaster risk governance. As climate-related shocks intensify across the Horn of Africa, Somali officials are increasingly positioning risk reduction as central to the nation’s broader development and security strategy.

“Inclusivity, science, and strategy must shape how nations like ours move forward,” Chairman Abdulle said in closing remarks. “We are no longer passive recipients of aid, we are partners in global resilience.”

The Somali delegation’s contributions were widely noted by international observers, reflecting a shift in perception, from a country often seen through the lens of crisis, to one actively shaping its own future in the global community.