By Goth Mohamed Goth
The Director-General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Somaliland, Mr. Abdillahi Mohamed Mahmoud (Jiidhe), today received senior representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at his office. The delegation was led by the Deputy Representative of UNFPA, accompanied by officials from the UNFPA Hargeisa office.
The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, focused on strengthening cooperation between the two sides, reviewing past achievements, and setting a new plan to advance youth programs in Somaliland.
Key objectives of the meeting included:
1. Implementation of Somaliland’s National Youth Policy:
The Ministry presented the various stages of implementing the national youth policy and existing challenges. UNFPA was requested to enhance support through technical assistance, capacity-building, and monitoring to ensure comprehensive implementation.
2. Support for the Ministry’s Strategic Plan:
The Ministry shared its new strategic plan with UNFPA. The Ministry requested that UNFPA’s programs align with this plan’s objectives to maximize the impact of bilateral cooperation.
3. Youth Awareness:
UNFPA’s critical role in youth awareness programs—particularly those related to health, education, and countering extremism—was highlighted. The Ministry called for accelerating awareness projects to reach the most vulnerable youth.
The Director-General was flanked by:
– Mr. Francis Anyansi – Deputy Representative, UNFPA
– Ms. Faiza – Head of UNFPA Hargeisa Office
– Director of the Youth Department – Ministry
– Director of Planning – Ministry
– Ifrah Maal – UNFPA, Hargeisa Office
– Other officials and experts from both sides
This meeting reflects the commitment of Somaliland’s Ministry of Youth and Sports to collaborate with international agencies to achieve its goal of empowering capable, dynamic youth with improved life opportunities.
The Ministry expressed profound gratitude for UNFPA’s role in youth development and hopes for intensified collaboration to build a prosperous future for Somaliland’s new generation.