Mogadishu, Somalia — The Joint Coordination Forum on Data and Statistics successfully convened in Mogadishu this week, underscoring a significant stride in strengthening Somalia’s national statistical ecosystem. The forum was co-chaired by Dr. Abdisalam Mohamed, Director-General of the Somali National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS), George Conway, Deputy Special Representative to the UN Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator for Somalia, and Martina Durrer, Regional Director for International Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy.
This high-level gathering brought together a broad coalition of key stakeholders including statistical representatives from Somalia’s Federal Member States, line ministries, and prominent international partners. Among the participants were senior officials from the World Bank, Swiss Cooperation, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and various UN agencies — including UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNHCR, and FAO — alongside other development partners and technical experts.
Aligning Priorities and Strengthening Systems
Deliberations centered on harmonizing national data systems, addressing critical data gaps, and improving coordination across all levels of the Somali statistical system. Delegates highlighted the need to align these efforts with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 — all vital instruments guiding Somalia’s long-term development aspirations.
Renewed Commitment to Somalia’s Statistical Agenda
Forum co-chairs and partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Somalia’s second National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS II), which will bolster data capacity across the country and ensure evidence-based policymaking. This partnership signals an important milestone in leveraging data as a key asset for Somalia’s sustainable development and inclusive growth.
By fostering strong institutional collaboration and upholding rigorous data standards, Somalia aims to enhance its national statistical landscape and build a robust foundation for future progress. The Joint Coordination Forum underscores the critical role of accurate, harmonized data as Somalia advances toward a more stable and prosperous future.