Mogadishu — On his first visit to Somalia, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s peacebuilding efforts and helping it achieve its development goals.
“Our commitment in Somalia focuses on peace and development. Sustainable progress starts with peace and continues through a people-centred approach, which involves protecting individuals from crises and supporting them on their path to recovery,” said Mr. da Silva, concluding his two-day visit in the capital, Mogadishu.
During his trip, Mr. da Silva met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Bashir Mohamed Jama.
“We stand with the people of Somalia in their fight against terrorism and in their efforts towards peace and stability. And I highlighted our commitment to support in my meeting with Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali,” said Mr. da Silva.
He also met with senior UN leadership, including the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Raisedon Zenenga, and the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, George Conway.
Inaugurating UNOPS country office
On the first day of his visit, the USG inaugurated the newly constructed UNOPS Somalia country office, commemorating the organisation’s 30 years of service in the country.
“For thirty years, we have been supporting the people of Somalia, working with the government and other partners to help strengthen the capacity of Somali institutions and to deliver projects in critical sectors, including health, transport, governance and peace and security,” said Mr. da Silva.
Present at the opening, the UN Deputy Special Representative, George Conway, emphasised that the commissioning of the new building reaffirmed UNOPS's commitment to Somalia, contributing significantly to various sectors such as peace and security, policing, corrections, transport and urban infrastructure and health.
“It demonstrates a profound commitment of UNOPS to its engagement in Somalia, to alignment with national priorities, and to working together as one UN towards achieving Somalia’s national priorities,” Mr. Conway said.
Lifesaving Blood Bank
On the second day of his visit, Mr. da Silva and his delegation toured the National Blood Bank at the Banadir Hospital, a facility constructed by UNOPS and funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), UN Women, and the government of Somalia. He witnessed firsthand the project’s significant impact on saving lives through urgent blood donations.
“In these two days I have seen the impact of our projects; the blood bank that we constructed with the partnership of the UNFPA, WHO and the government created for the first time in Somalia is a lifesaving infrastructure,” said Mr. da Silva.
The blood bank is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, capable of storing up to 10,000 units of donated blood and screening, preparing, and securely storing blood and blood products.
“Our support to strengthening the health system in Somalia goes beyond this. We are also working with Somalia’s Ministry of Health to increase access to healthcare by constructing and rehabilitating six regional hospitals and a central cold chain facility,” he added.
Partnership for Security
The USG also handed over an ambulance and a truck to the Somali National Army (SNA) as part of a project funded by the European Peace Facility (EPF), highlighting the robust partnership between UNOPS and the EU.
The EU Ambassador to Somalia, Karin Johansson, praised the bravery of SNA soldiers battling Al-Shabaab and noted that the equipment handover was part of the €110 million support that the EU is providing to the SNA. The equipment was handed over to Colonel Ahmed Muse of the SNA.
“With this equipment, provided through our partnership with UNOPS over the past few years, we hope this support will facilitate efforts in the field,” said the EU Ambassador.
”I saw the efforts of my colleagues to build the operational capacities of the Somali National Army by providing non-lethal support. Funded by the European Peace Facility, this work is key to advancing peace and security and the rule of law in Somalia,” added Mr. da Silva.
UNOPS in Somalia
With national ownership and capacity development as key priorities, UNOPS works closely with partners to help strengthen the capacity of Somali institutions and supports a range of activities on behalf of partners in critical sectors – including health, governance, peace and security.
From constructing climate-resilient infrastructure and supporting enhancements to the security sector, to implementing disaster preparedness planning and crisis recovery projects, UNOPS works collectively with partners to support reconstruction and state-building in Somalia.
“As we look to the future, we want to build on our support so far, to offer practical solutions that respond to needs and help build a better, more resilient future for the people of Somalia,” said Mr. da Silva.
UNOPS’ Executive Director's visit to Somalia is part of his week-long mission to the Horn of Africa, which will also take him to Sudan and Ethiopia to meet with officials and partners and see the impact of UNOPS' support on local communities.
