Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has arrived in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, where Somalia will focus on development, investment, security and countering extremism in the Horn of Africa.
NEW YORK, United States (Somali Report) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in New York on Monday to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the UN mission in Somalia said.
Hassan’s visit comes as world leaders gather at UN headquarters for the high-level general debate, which opens on September 22 and runs through September 28.
According to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia, the Somali president’s agenda in New York will include discussions on Somalia’s development, investment and efforts to combat extremism in the Horn of Africa.
The annual General Assembly brings together heads of state and government to present their countries’ positions and priorities on major international issues.
This year’s session is being held under the theme “Restoring trust and reigniting global solidarity: working together for a better future,” with governments expected to address a range of political, economic, social and environmental challenges.
For Somalia, the gathering comes as the country continues its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Somalia began its Security Council membership on January 1, 2025, and will hold the seat until the end of 2026. The term has provided Mogadishu with a platform to raise issues affecting the Horn of Africa and to participate directly in discussions on international peace and security.
Hassan’s presence at the General Assembly also comes amid continuing international engagement on Somalia’s security and development priorities.
The UN mission said the president’s programme would focus partly on development and investment, areas Somalia has identified as important to strengthening its economy and expanding opportunities for its population.
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The fight against violent extremism in the Horn of Africa is also expected to feature prominently in discussions involving Somalia and international partners.
Somalia has been battling Al-Shabaab for more than a decade, while the government has sought international support for its security forces and broader efforts to stabilise areas affected by the insurgency.
The General Assembly week will also feature a series of high-level meetings on sustainable development, climate change, pandemic preparedness and the right to development.
The UN said governments would use the meetings to discuss cooperation in addressing global economic, social and environmental challenges.
The gathering comes at a time of heightened international pressure for greater cooperation on conflicts, climate-related risks, economic inequality and global health preparedness.
Somalia is expected to use its participation to engage with international partners on its national priorities while also contributing to broader debates at the United Nations.
The Somali delegation’s participation in the General Assembly follows the country’s return to the Security Council as an elected member after more than three decades.
The visit to New York therefore gives Hassan an opportunity to address the wider international community while Somalia continues to navigate security, political and economic challenges at home.
The high-level debate began Tuesday, with leaders from UN member states scheduled to address the 193-member General Assembly throughout the week.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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