Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has joined world leaders at the opening of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, where Somalia will highlight its security, economic and humanitarian priorities.
NEW YORK, United States (Somali Report) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday attended the opening of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, as Mogadishu seeks greater international support for its security, development and humanitarian priorities.
Hassan, who arrived in New York on Monday with a high-level delegation, is taking part in the annual gathering of world leaders at UN headquarters. The General Debate runs from September 22 to 28 under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The Somali president is expected to use the gathering to present his government's assessment of progress in state-building, democratic development, security and economic growth, according to Somali government statements.
His agenda also includes Somalia's humanitarian situation and calls for increased international assistance and investment as the country continues to address security and development challenges.
Hassan is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, when he is expected to discuss developments in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, according to State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ali Mohamed Omar.
The president is also due to hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, senior UN officials and other international partners during his stay in New York.
Somalia's participation in this year's General Assembly comes as the country serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. The seat gives Mogadishu a direct role in discussions and decisions on international peace and security.
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The country's Security Council membership has added significance to Hassan's diplomatic engagement in New York, with Somalia seeking to highlight security concerns in the Horn of Africa and its efforts to strengthen national institutions and address the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
The Somali government has also identified economic development, investment and security cooperation as key priorities during the president's visit. The Permanent Mission of Somalia to the UN said the country intends to use the General Assembly to highlight development priorities, investment opportunities and security concerns affecting the Horn of Africa.
The visit comes amid a broad international agenda at the General Assembly, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, climate change, artificial intelligence and reforms to the multilateral system.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking at the opening of the high-level debate, called for stronger international cooperation on artificial intelligence, an end to ongoing wars and greater efforts to tackle climate change. He also urged governments to uphold the UN Charter and strengthen multilateral institutions.
For Somalia, the week in New York also includes a high-level Security Council meeting on Somalia scheduled for September 24, according to the country's UN mission. The meeting is expected to provide another platform for discussions on Somalia's security and international support.
Hassan's delegation is expected to continue diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the General Assembly as Somalia seeks to strengthen partnerships and secure further backing for its security, humanitarian and economic priorities.
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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