Somalia, UNDP Sign Five-Year Youth Development Partnership

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a five-year partnership agreement aimed at expanding opportunities for young people through programmes focused on employment, skills development, peacebuilding and climate action.

The agreement, signed in Mogadishu, will guide cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia and UNDP from 2026 to 2030, targeting some of the key challenges facing Somali youth, who make up the majority of the country’s population.

Under the partnership, both sides will work to strengthen youth participation in governance and peacebuilding, improve access to vocational and technical skills training, promote climate resilience initiatives and create pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

Officials said the agreement reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in young people as a cornerstone of Somalia’s long-term development and stability agenda.

Somalia has one of the youngest populations in the world, with more than 70% of its citizens under the age of 30. While young people are increasingly driving innovation and economic activity, unemployment and limited access to opportunities remain among the country’s biggest challenges.

The partnership comes as the federal government of Somalia and its international partners intensify efforts to create jobs, support entrepreneurship and empower youth to contribute to peace and economic growth. It also aligns with broader national development priorities aimed at harnessing the country’s demographic potential while addressing the impacts of conflict, climate shocks and economic vulnerability.

UNDP has been a longstanding partner of Somalia in areas including governance, resilience, economic recovery and youth empowerment, supporting programmes designed to strengthen institutions and expand opportunities for vulnerable communities across the country.

Officials expressed optimism that the new agreement would help accelerate progress toward a more inclusive, prosperous and stable future led by Somalia’s youth.