MOGADISHU, Somalia: The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle, has officially closed the 3rd Somalia Disaster Resilience Conference (SDRC 2026), held in Mogadishu under the theme, “Moving Beyond Recurrent Disasters Towards Sustainable Resilience for a Better Future and Lasting Recovery in Somalia.”

Jointly organized by SoDMA and Mogadishu University, the two-day conference brought together ministers and other government officials, international and local organizations, civil society representatives, business leaders, religious scholars and disaster management experts to discuss practical approaches to strengthening Somalia’s resilience to recurring disasters.

The conference focused on strengthening coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, improving early warning systems and disaster preparedness, and promoting effective measures to reduce the impacts of recurring disasters. Discussions also highlighted the importance of sustainable recovery and building the capacity of Somali communities to anticipate, withstand and recover from future shocks.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Mogadishu University President Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed Mursal emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities, researchers and government institutions in developing sustainable, evidence-based solutions to disaster management challenges. He underscored the role of research and academic expertise in strengthening community resilience and supporting effective disaster risk reduction strategies.

In his closing remarks, SoDMA Commissioner Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle stressed the importance of translating the conference’s key recommendations into concrete actions and measurable outcomes. He called for the practical outcomes of the discussions to inform future initiatives and subsequent conferences, ensuring that efforts to address recurring disasters are grounded in research, knowledge and practical experience.

The conclusion of SDRC 2026 reinforces the importance of sustained cooperation among government institutions, academic institutions, humanitarian partners and other stakeholders in advancing disaster risk reduction and strengthening national resilience.

Through the joint efforts of SoDMA and Mogadishu University, the conference provides a foundation for continued collaboration towards sustainable disaster management, stronger preparedness and lasting recovery for communities across Somalia.