A national conference was held in Mogadishu focusing on rapid drought response and strengthening social protection systems, jointly organized by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

The conference emphasized the role of women in leading, planning, and implementing humanitarian responses, ensuring that the needs of women, children, and other vulnerable groups are fully integrated into emergency decision-making and response plans. During the meeting, emergency plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were also endorsed for the Federal Member States of Jubaland and Galmudug, under the technical leadership of WFP.

SoDMA officials and international partners stressed that the outcomes of the conference will be translated into practical, actionable steps to reduce the impacts of drought and to strengthen the resilience and safety of Somali communities.