Banadir Governor and UNDP Discuss Governance, Security and Development in the Capital

MOGADISHU — The Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab), held an introductory and welcome meeting with the newly appointed Country Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Somalia, Mr. Christophoros Politis.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation and sustaining UNDP support for communities across Somalia, particularly in Banadir Region, in the areas of governance, social affairs, security and development programmes.

The Governor emphasized the importance of further strengthening partnership with UNDP to accelerate efforts to improve social services, governance, security and critical infrastructure in the capital.

Mr. Christophoros Politis, the head of UNDP Somalia, expressed the agency’s commitment to continuing and enhancing its support through practical development programmes that address the needs of communities.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor for Social Affairs and Awareness, Mr. Abdiasis Osman Mohamed, the Deputy Governor for General Services, Mr. Abdulmajid Dahir Adan, and other officials from the Banadir Regional Administration.

UNDP’s Expanding Partnership with Somalia

UNDP recently signed a five-year partnership agreement with Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports focusing on youth development, peace and security, skills development, climate action and youth employment. The agreement represents a significant step in addressing the challenges facing Somalia’s young population, which constitutes more than 70 percent of the country.

UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Crisis Bureau Director Shoko Noda has urged increased funding for employment and services to aid Somalia’s recovery, warning that the country’s fragile progress is being undermined by aid cuts, prolonged drought, and soaring living costs. Noda emphasized that “development is what restores trust, creates jobs and prevents crisis relapse.”

The Somali Finance Minister has also met with senior UNDP leadership to discuss economic developments, focusing on the effects of droughts, floods, and climate change on the national economy. The discussions highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration between the Federal Government and UNDP, with both parties emphasizing the necessity of expediting development programs and fostering recovery.

UNDP has been working with Somalia’s Interior Ministry on stabilization efforts in recently liberated regions, synchronizing activities with governmental priorities in Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle. The partnership focuses on solidifying peace and broadening governmental service provision to populations returning to these areas.

UNDP has also engaged with Somalia’s Information Ministry on media development cooperation, focusing on media capacity building, public awareness campaigns, peacebuilding efforts, and counter-terrorism messaging.

Somalia’s National Economic Council has presented its Vision 2060 economic blueprint to UN partners, discussing the Peace-Economy Enhancement Initiative rooted in the Centennial Vision 2060 and the National Transformation Plan.

Critical Note

The meeting between the Mogadishu Mayor and the new UNDP Country Representative signals continuity in the partnership between the Banadir Regional Administration and the UN development agency. The focus on governance, social services, security and infrastructure reflects the priority needs of the capital, which hosts hundreds of thousands of displaced people and faces persistent challenges in service delivery.

However, the effectiveness of this partnership will depend on the ability of both sides to translate commitments into tangible improvements for residents. Mogadishu has seen significant progress in recent years, including the rehabilitation of district headquarters and the expansion of public services, but challenges remain, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to basic services in some districts, and ongoing security concerns. UNDP’s support will be most valuable if it is aligned with the city’s own development priorities and if it helps strengthen the capacity of local institutions to deliver services independently.

For the new UNDP Country Representative, building strong relationships with local authorities will be essential. The agency’s work in Somalia spans a wide range of areas, from governance and rule of law to climate resilience, economic development, and youth empowerment. Ensuring that these programmes are coordinated and responsive to local needs will be a key test of his tenure. The recent five-year partnership agreement with the Ministry of Youth and the ongoing engagement with the Finance Ministry underscore the breadth of UNDP’s commitment to Somalia’s development, but also highlight the need for careful prioritization and effective coordination.