Somali Observatory for Humanitarian Affairs The Voice of Reality.. The Eye of Humanitarian Truth in Somalia
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NAIROBI — As part of her persistent efforts to strengthen social stability and modernize urban planning, Somalia actively participated in the “2nd Africa Urban Forum” in Nairobi, under the theme “Adequate Housing for All.” This marks a pioneering national and continental step toward building a secure and sustainable residential future for all her citizens across various governorates, ensuring human dignity and social welfare.
The Somali delegation was led by H.E. Said Mohamed Mahmoud Heyd, Minister of State for Public Works, Reconstruction, and Housing, with H.E. Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, Ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat. Somalia joined nearly 10,000 participants to chart a new and innovative pathway for the continent’s urban centers.
This participation comes at a strategic time reflecting the state’s regained leading role, as Somalia was elected to the Executive Board of UN-Habitat and chosen to lead the Global Housing and Settlements Program. This granted her a pivotal role in leading high-level sessions to review innovative reports on urban renewal in cooperation with friendly nations.
Through this forum, Somalia aims to formulate effective policies to address challenges arising from urban displacement and rapid population growth, leveraging projections that Africa’s urban population will double by 2050. This requires a swift response to provide adequate shelter and basic services as an inherent right for every citizen, contributing to social stability.
During the sessions, partly chaired by H.E. Farah Abdinoor Ahmed, Director General of the Ministry of Public Works, the delegation emphasized that providing adequate housing is the cornerstone of comprehensive urban development. They reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to transforming displacement challenges into opportunities for growth and integrating IDPs through integrated housing projects.
Horizons of Sustainable Development and International Cooperation
Participants reviewed mechanisms for enhancing investment in affordable housing and green infrastructure. Somalia emphasized adopting “Green Housing” standards ensuring clean water, sanitation, and clean mobility as essential pillars to meet the needs of future generations while protecting the urban environment across the country.
The forum witnessed close coordination with international partners like the African Development Bank. Somalia presented her new national policies, enhancing her standing as a leading regional hub in managing urban crises and transforming them into successful architectural models serving stability and economic renaissance in all her regions.
Discussions focused on improving labor operations and expanding planning initiatives to emerging cities, keeping pace with Somalia’s desired architectural renaissance. This ensures balanced developmental opportunities that reduce pressure on major capitals and create new economic hubs for a fair distribution of development across all governorates.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on a roadmap to strengthen public-private partnerships to accelerate social housing projects. The Somali Ministry of Public Works adopts this path to empower local communities through modern, resilient housing projects capable of withstanding climatic shocks and meeting the people’s aspirations.
Somalia’s leadership in international housing programs proves her regained prestigious standing in international forums. It demonstrates her ability to provide an inspiring model in managing urban transformation, supported by a firm national will to lead the reconstruction and infrastructure development process toward a brighter future.
The meeting also reflected close international cooperation supporting Somalia’s national transformation plans. Participants praised the serious steps taken by the state in modernizing real estate laws and facilitating housing investments, paving the way for a comprehensive urban renaissance that makes Somali cities centers for innovation and growth.
This global developmental movement demonstrates Somalia’s firm will to shape a promising urban future. It proves that the integration between national planning and international cooperation is the optimal path to establishing a comprehensive architectural renaissance, making the human being the center of development and secure housing a guaranteed right.
