SoDMA Chairman Represents Somalia at Global Disaster Risk Reduction Forum in Geneva

By A Yusuf

Geneva, Switzerland, June 7, 2025—The Chairman of the Somali Disaster Management Authority (SoDMA), Mr. Mahmoud Mo’alim Abdulle, led a high-level delegation to the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR 2025), held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva from June 2 to 6, 2025.

 The global forum, organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), convenes every four years and serves as a critical platform for evaluating progress and strengthening international cooperation in disaster risk management.

The 2025 session brought together more than 2,700 participants from 133 countries, including senior government officials, UN agencies, civil society leaders, and technical experts. Discussions centered on accelerating global efforts to prevent, reduce, and respond to disasters through enhanced preparedness, public awareness, and community resilience.

In a keynote address, Mr. Abdulle highlighted Somalia’s growing capacity and commitment to disaster risk reduction. He detailed the Federal Government’s progress in establishing robust response frameworks, improving early warning systems, and protecting vulnerable populations from the increasing threat of both natural and man-made disasters.

“Somalia is working diligently to strengthen its disaster risk management systems and build national resilience,” Mr. Abdulle stated. “We are committed to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and development gains by aligning our efforts with global frameworks.”

A major outcome of the conference was a renewed international commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which urges countries to significantly reduce disaster risks by 2030. Delegates adopted practical recommendations to guide national policies, enhance coordination, and invest in resilient infrastructure and preparedness systems.

The SoDMA chairman’s participation reaffirmed Somalia’s active role in the global conversation on disaster risk and its dedication to building a safer and more resilient future.