MOGADISHU: The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis Jama, welcomed the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, George Conway, at his office in Mogadishu on Monday. The discussions centered on improving collaboration between Somalia’s Ministry of Information and the United Nations, focusing on media engagement, public awareness initiatives, humanitarian response, and the role of media in emergencies.
Both leaders stressed the need for coordinated communication between the Somali government and UN agencies to deliver accurate, timely, and trustworthy information to the public, especially during crises and humanitarian situations. Minister Daud confirmed his ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, with a special focus on delivering vital information to rural and remote areas to enhance public information access and awareness among at-risk communities. The meeting also examined approaches to develop media capabilities, including emergency reporting training for journalists, and improving coordination between government bodies and UN entities on communication and awareness campaigns.
Ongoing Collaboration on Humanitarian and Media Development
The meeting builds on a series of engagements between Somali officials and UN leadership focused on humanitarian response and media development. The Federal Government and the United Nations have been exploring a new transition framework for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to enhance collaboration as the UN mission enters its next stage. The discussions, which involved George Conway, concentrated on improving collaboration between the federal government and the UN, aiming for a seamless and efficient transition.
A drought assessment team led by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), which included George Conway, recently visited IDP settlements near Kismayo to assess living conditions and humanitarian difficulties confronting displaced communities. The move is part of government-led efforts to assist vulnerable populations and build resilience nationwide, a commitment both parties reaffirmed during Monday’s meeting. SoDMA and the UN have also been bolstering joint efforts against the escalating drought emergency, with Conway co-chairing talks to reinforce the country’s response to the climate crisis.
Minister Daud has been actively engaged in professional development initiatives for journalists. Earlier this week, he officially opened a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening journalists’ capacity to prevent hate speech during election reporting, bringing together more than 35 journalists from 21 media outlets operating in Mogadishu. The training emphasized responsible, accurate, and balanced coverage throughout the electoral period.
The Federal Government has consistently prioritized media development as part of its broader state-building agenda. Somalia has co-hosted high-level events at the UN Human Rights Council placing media freedom and civil liberties at the center of global attention. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) has also been actively involved in helping regional states develop their media sectors, including Southwest State, through capability enhancement and infrastructure improvement.
The meeting with Minister Daud follows similar high-level engagements between Somali officials and UN leadership. In separate discussions, Deputy Foreign Minister welcomed the UN humanitarian chief in Mogadishu as part of ongoing coordination on funding appeals for Somalia’s emergency response. The World Food Programme is urgently appealing for $95 million to sustain critical food and nutrition operations through August 2026.
