Geneva, June 10, 2025 – The 8th session of the quadrennial Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025) concluded in Geneva this week, fostering vital international collaboration. A key highlight was the active participation of Somalia’s delegation, led by the Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency, Mahamuud Moallim Abdulle, whose contributions sparked significant dialogue on practical solutions for vulnerable communities.

The conference served as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge and strategies, with a strong emphasis on empowering communities to withstand and recover from disasters. Somalia’s delegation played a prominent role in shaping these discussions:

• Building Sustainable Resilience Systems:
  Khadar Sheikh Mohamed Nur, Director of Disaster Risk Management at the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), presented concrete strategies for governments. He focused on identifying the “simplest, most actionable ways” to establish sustainable systems that enhance community resilience before disasters strike and accelerate recovery afterward. His insights offered valuable lessons for resource-constrained settings.
• Effective Hazard Warnings:
  Ms. Fadumo Abdi Ali, Senior Advisor on Disaster Management at SoDMA, contributed to critical discussions on bridging the “last mile” gap in disaster warnings. The session explored innovative and context-specific methods to ensure timely, understandable, and actionable hazard alerts reach every member of a community, particularly in challenging environments.
• Inclusive Action: Empowering Women:
  Halimo Yusuf Hassan, Head of SoDMA’s Gender Unit, emphasized the indispensable role of women in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Her contributions underscored the need for inclusive planning and action, highlighting how engaging women leads to more effective, community-owned resilience strategies and response efforts.

Addressing the Toughest Challenge: DRR in Conflict Zones

The most dynamic exchange featured Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim alongside Abdihakin Yusuf Aynte, Advisor to the Somali Prime Minister on Food Security & Climate Change and Advisor to the SoDMA Commissioner. They tackled the conference’s most pressing question: How can the global Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction be effectively implemented in developing nations grappling with conflict and insecurity?

This complex discussion confronted the harsh reality where socio-economic vulnerability is exacerbated by instability. Commissioner Moallim and Advisor Aynte provided critical perspectives on:

• Adapting international frameworks to fragile contexts.
• Building resilience amidst ongoing conflict and access constraints.
• Addressing the unique vulnerabilities created by insecurity.
• Mobilizing resources and political will for DRR in these high-risk areas.

Their frank dialogue underscored the urgent need for tailored, flexible approaches and increased international support for nations facing the dual burden of disaster risk and conflict.

A Platform for Progress

The participation of Commissioner Moallim and the SoDMA delegation demonstrated Somalia’s proactive commitment to disaster risk management and community resilience. By sharing their on-the-ground experiences and championing practical, inclusive solutions – from basic resilience systems and effective warnings to women’s leadership and navigating conflict complexities – Somalia contributed significantly to a global dialogue focused on building a safer future for the most vulnerable.

The discussions in Geneva reaffirm that strengthening community resilience is not just a technical challenge, but a fundamental requirement for sustainable development, demanding context-specific solutions and unwavering international cooperation.