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MOGADISHU — Chairman of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mohamud Moalim Abdulle, yesterday received a high-level Swedish delegation to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation in disaster management, risk reduction, and efforts aimed at protecting communities from the impact of recurring crises and disasters.
The delegation was led by Annika Jayawardena, Deputy Head of the East and Horn of Africa Division at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Discussions focused on key areas of cooperation, including disaster preparedness, the development of early warning systems, and strengthening the capacity of national institutions to respond effectively to emergencies.
The meeting highlighted the importance of investing in monitoring and early warning systems as a first line of defense against disasters, providing critical information that enables timely action and helps reduce human and economic losses before crises escalate.
Both sides also reviewed the humanitarian and climate-related challenges facing Somalia and explored ways to deepen international partnerships that support national efforts to build stronger and more resilient communities capable of withstanding droughts, floods, and other natural hazards.
Following the meeting, the Swedish delegation toured the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, where members were briefed on the Center’s work in collecting and analyzing risk-related data and issuing early warnings that help government institutions and local communities prepare for and respond to potential emergencies.
The delegation also received an overview of recent developments in Somalia’s early warning architecture and the growing role of modern technology in improving the quality, accessibility, and use of information for emergency planning and decision-making.
Speaking during the visit, the SoDMA Chairman commended the support provided by the Government of Sweden and Sida, emphasizing that cooperation with international partners remains essential for strengthening national capacities and advancing efforts to reduce disaster risks and protect the most vulnerable populations.
The visit reflects the growing partnership between Somalia and Sweden in humanitarian and development cooperation and comes as SoDMA continues its efforts to build an integrated national system for early warning and disaster risk management, helping safeguard lives and livelihoods while strengthening community resilience for the future.
