Global Day of Action for SDGs in Mogadishu: A Reflection by Muhsin Omar

25 September marks the 7th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the adoption of the 2030 Agenda. Many organizations around the world act for the SDGs on this day every year. The Samale Institute in Mogadishu, being one of the SDG houses in Somalia, organized and hosted the Global Day of Action for SDGs Summit on 25 September 2022 to Act4SDGs in Mogadishu. It was a great pleasure as a Samale Team member to participate in this big event of Global Day of Action for SDGs since I am interested in Global Goals and giving real solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.

First, in case you are not familiar with Sustainable Development Goals, the SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives of everyone, everywhere. The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals.

The Global Day of Action for SDGs summit in Mogadishu was well-organized, colorful, and enjoyable with more than fifty participants from different educational and experiences backgrounds. The aim was to give insights into where we (Somalis) are standing with the SDGs, which goals require more attention in the local context, and how we can take steps to finally meet these goals.

During the event, distinguished local keynoters were presented with important presentations like the National SDGs Data by the Federal Ministry of planning and development, The SDG 3 & Public Health, and the involvement of SDGs Capacity Building by Benadir University. In addition, Dr. Suzyrman Sibly, an SDG expert at the Centre for Global Suitability Studies of University Sains Malaysian presented virtually the Role of youth in promoting Sustainability and SDGs. The participants asked the expert questions about how Somali youth can participate in achieving SDGs in Somalia. The expert answered the questions and provided recommendations based on his experiences in Sustainability and SDGs.

Somalia is vulnerable to a myriad of domestic and global challenges, including Covid-19 and climate-related shocks, which have had adverse effects on livelihoods and displaced thousands. This has exacerbated poverty and inequality, thus decelerating the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. So that it is very important to create platforms to mobilize local community members, government organizations, academic institutions, and businesses to contribute to the SDGs in Somalia.

SDGs events, like this hosted by Samale Institute, demonstrate to the Somali leaders and the public that the young people in Somalia are committed, dedicated, and inspired to promote and act on the SDGs in Somalia. And it shows that they are a massive force that can bring about transformative change and create a better Somalia.