Nairobi 16 September 2015—The Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) of UN-Habitat on Wednesday during its 58th Regular meeting  as part of its Agenda, Items, held  a High Level Dialogue on Somalia where the participants expressed optimism on the steps the country is taking towards achieving long lasting peace.

Addressing the meeting , Somali’s Minister for Health Honourable Hawa Hassan Mohammed stated that the priority of her country included the delivery of security, establishment of peace, as well as the complete transformation of Somalia from war-torn nation to a functioning state.

She noted that “The challenges Somalia faces are complex and multi-faceted. Creating political stability, delivering a relevant, timely legislative agenda, building robust public service delivery, and establishing sound governance processes supported by a transparent, trusted public financial management system and a thriving private sector are critical to delivering a peaceful, prosperous Somalia”.

She hailed UN-Habitat for its long involvement in Somalia, making tremendous positive impacts on several areas within its thematic areas of urban basic services, governance and economic growth. “While UN-Habitat is implementing these projects on the ground, we recognize and appreciate the assistance provided by the international community to our government through mechanisms stipulated in the New Deal Compact. We also appreciate the support provided by the UN agencies and other multilateral groups who are with us on the ground and carrying out excellent projects,” she said.

The Representatives of the Members States, namely, Canada, Egypt, Sweden and the European Union, congratulated UN-Habitat for its remarkable achievements in Somalia and expressed the CPR’s gratitude to the Federal Government of Somalia for sending a high government delegation to the meeting, clearly demonstrating the government's appreciation of the support and commitment of the International community towards the development efforts in Somalia.

"The EU and indeed other members of the CPR  have noted the presence of the high Somali Government delegation in the CPR meeting as an indication of how important the Federal Government appreciated the donors support and the UN-Habitat work in Somalia," said. Mr. Stefano Dejak, Permanent Representative of the European Union to UN-Habitat.

Creation of synergies among UN-Agencies working in Somalia

The Government of Sweden pledges to further support UN-Habitat's work in Somali and more specifically to look into how the Global Best practices can be integrated into the Somalia national development plans.

The Group of  the G77 through  its Chair, Egypt,  praised UN-Habitat for organizing the  High Level Dialogue on Somalia, and requested that this type of dialogue be held frequently.

The members states encouraged continued coordination and creation of synergies among UN- Agencies working in Somalia.

On her part, UN-Habitat Deputy Executive Director Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira praised the leadership in Somalia for the determination to rebuild their country. “If we do not have that commitment from the leaders even if we have all the donors and the UN agencies we would not achieve much,” she said.

Chair of the Committee Mr. Michal Mlynár of Slovakia in closing recommended that the CPR and its subcommittees continue to follow-up on the future work of UN-Habitat in Somalia which he indicated had a potential for more positive results.

Addressing the media after the meeting, UN-Habitat Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos said that as a country that has undergone conflict, it naturally followed that Somalia’s urban centres would feel the strain of the war.

“In the event of war urban centres are usually seen as centres of refuge and people run there for safety. This in turn puts a huge strain on their ability to offer services because of the increased population,” he said.

Dr. Clos said UN-Habitat had seen a lot of success stories in the areas it was working on in Somalia. “This was made possible by the positive support we have been receiving from our donors,” he said.