(18-09-23) NEW YORK — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced Monday a renewed commitment by the Somali government to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Speaking at the SDG Summit 2023 in New York, Barre laid out plans to bolster investment in education and sustainable agriculture.
The Prime Minister articulated a multi-faceted approach aimed at reducing the nation’s illiteracy rate, expanding access to quality education, and fostering technical and vocational training programmes.
“Sustainable development is a necessity for Somalia. We’re committed to taking practical steps to make that a reality,” said Barre.
The PM further detailed the government’s initiatives in other sectors crucial for sustainable development. Among these are adopting sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing water resource management, improving food security, and building resilience to the adverse effects of climate change.
“Climate change adaptation isn’t a mere talking point for us; it’s an immediate need,” Barre noted, underscoring the urgency of the matter for a country prone to climate-related crises such as droughts and flooding.
The announcement comes as part of Somalia’s broader strategy to align its national objectives with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, critics await to see if these public commitments result in substantive action on the ground.
