Somalia Highlights Reform Agenda at UN Sustainable Development Forum

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NEW YORK: Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable development and economic reforms, presenting its development agenda during an Africa Day ministerial debate at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York.

Planning, Investment and Economic Development Minister Mahmoud A. Sheikh Farah, known as Beenebeene, represented Somalia at the forum, outlining the country’s efforts to strengthen national planning, improve economic governance and accelerate implementation of its development priorities.

The minister said Somalia was aligning its national development agenda with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, while pursuing reforms aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth and improving public services.

The ministerial debate, attended by African leaders, ministers and representatives of international organisations, also marked the launch of the Africa Sustainable Development Report 2026, which assesses the continent’s progress toward achieving the SDGs and the African Union’s long-term development blueprint.

Somalia’s participation comes as the country implements its National Transformation Plan (2025–2029), a roadmap that prioritises governance reforms, economic growth, infrastructure development and improved service delivery.

The government has sought to build on momentum generated by the country’s debt relief at the end of 2023, which restored Somalia’s access to concessional financing from international financial institutions after decades of debt distress. Authorities have since focused on strengthening domestic revenue collection, improving public financial management and attracting private investment.

Somalia has also increased its engagement in regional and global development forums as it seeks to position itself as an active participant in international policymaking following years of conflict and institutional rebuilding.

Officials say the country’s reform agenda is intended to support long-term economic recovery while helping achieve broader African and global development targets, although challenges including insecurity, climate shocks and limited infrastructure continue to constrain progress.

The High-Level Political Forum is the United Nations’ principal platform for reviewing global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, bringing together governments each year to assess achievements, identify challenges and share policy experiences.