By M.A. Egge
The Minister of Planning and National Development Hon. Kaltun Sheikh Hassan Abdi, and the Director General of the Ministry Mr. Mohamed Said Mohamud, held a crucial meeting on Tuesday with the Head of UNICEF Office in Somaliland Dr. Tedla Damte.
The meeting, which was held at the office of the planning ministry headquarters, focused on the strengthening of the cooperation between United Nations agencies, especially UNICEF and the government of Somaliland.
During the meeting, the minister briefed the UNICEF head on the new administration’s development plan in relation to cooperation with international organizations.
It was emphasized that it is important that UNICEF projects are based on the priority needs of the Somaliland community, to ensure sustainable development and life-changing service delivery.
Hon. Kaltuun specifically pointed out that UNICEF can play a key role in improving health, education, water, and child care services, and noted that the ministry is committed to ensuring that the cooperation between the two parties is effective and based on mutual understanding and transparency.
The Director General, Mr. Mohamed Said Mohamud stated that the ministry is ready to work with UNICEF to unify development efforts, and stressed that available grants and support would be used in line with the priorities of the National Development Plan, focusing on the positive impact that projects have on society, especially children and women.
Dr. Tedla Damte praised the Ministry’s efficient planning for the implementation of development goals, and indicated that UNICEF would continue its support to Somaliland, focusing on basic social issues, such as education, health care, and environmental development.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding and commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two parties.
It was agreed to create an effective mechanism to ensure that UNICEF support directly serves the needs of the Somaliland community.