October 8, 2024 – Mogadishu, Somalia: Somalia’s Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, H.E. Mohamud C. Sheikh Farah (Beenebeene), met with Marina Walter, Deputy Assistant Administrator and Deputy Regional Director for Arab States at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Monday to discuss strengthening the partnership between Somalia and UNDP.

During the meeting, which took place at the Ministry headquarters in Mogadishu, the two officials focused on accelerating sustainable development in Somalia. They discussed key areas such as resource mobilization, enhancing data systems for better planning and decision-making, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to support the country’s economic growth.

“We value our long-standing partnership with UNDP, which has been instrumental in supporting Somalia’s development efforts,” Minister Farah said. “Our discussions today focused on advancing key initiatives that will drive sustainable growth, create jobs for our youth, and address pressing challenges like internal displacement.”

One of the major topics was finding durable solutions for the more than 1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Somalia. Minister Farah emphasized the importance of working closely with UNDP to implement the Solutions Pathway Action Plan, a strategy aimed at improving living conditions for IDPs. 

Walter reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Somalia in its development goals, highlighting the organization’s focus on sustainable development, peacebuilding, and helping the country achieve long-term stability.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to continue working together to achieve their shared goals of sustainable development and economic resilience in Somalia.