Hirshabelle President and UN Envoy Forge Alliance Against Climate and Humanitarian Crises
JOWHAR, November 10, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Hirshabelle State President Ali Abdullahi Hussein, widely known as Ali Guudlaawe, convened with the United Nations Deputy Special Representative for Somalia at his official office today. The high-level discussion centered on mounting humanitarian challenges and strengthening international cooperation in one of Somalia’s most vulnerable regions.
Confronting Multiple Crises
The closed-door meeting addressed the compounding emergencies facing Hirshabelle’s population, where climate-induced disasters have created a perfect storm of suffering. President Guudlaawe and the UN envoy examined the devastating trifecta of prolonged droughts, destructive flooding, and locust invasions that have threatened food security and displaced communities across the federal member state.
Beyond immediate relief, the dialogue explored sustainable development initiatives and ongoing humanitarian operations coordinated by United Nations agencies throughout Hirshabelle’s districts. The conversation highlighted how international support intersects with local governance to create meaningful impact where it’s needed most.
A Partnership Forged in Crisis
President Guudlaawe expressed profound appreciation for the UN’s steadfast partnership, noting that “the cooperation between Hirshabelle and the United Nations is crucial for efforts to reduce the impact of floods and droughts and to reach vulnerable communities.” His remarks underscored the life-or-death importance of maintaining this international lifeline as climate extremes intensify.
The UN Deputy Special Representative, who also serves as Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, acknowledged the Hirshabelle administration’s progress in enhancing social services and developing robust emergency response mechanisms. This reciprocal recognition signals a mature partnership moving beyond emergency response toward sustainable resilience.
From Bilateral Talks to National Forum
Following their private discussion, both leaders joined their delegations to inaugurate the Somalia Humanitarian Affairs Forum, which launched today in Jowhar. This national gathering represents a critical coordination platform, bringing together stakeholders to harmonize relief efforts across Somalia’s complex humanitarian landscape.
The forum’s timing couldn’t be more urgent, as Somalia faces what many experts describe as an unprecedented convergence of climate emergencies and displacement crises. The presence of both Hirshabelle and UN leadership at this event demonstrates how regional engagement informs national strategy in modern humanitarian response.
Source: Radio Somalia