Somali Housing Minister Seeks International Support for Urban Development BODY: Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction, and Housing, Ayuub Ismail Yusuf, recently engaged in a significant dialogue with his Qatari counterpart at the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The meeting, organized by the World Urban Forum and UN — Habitat, marked a pivotal moment for Somalia as it seeks to bolster its urban development efforts amidst ongoing challenges.
The forum provided a platform for Yusuf to emphasize the critical need for improved living conditions and expanded access to adequate shelter in Somalia.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, Yusuf highlighted the importance of international cooperation and learning from successful models such as Azerbaijan’s housing provision and urban development strategies. Somalia, addressing one of the world’s most prolonged and complex displacement crises, faces significant urban development challenges.
Ongoing conflict, climate — induced shocks, and poverty have led to a housing crisis that affects millions.
Approximately half of Somalia’s population—around 9 million people—now live in urban areas, many of whom are displaced and reside in informal settlements or camps. During the forum, Yusuf shared Somalia’s policy ambitions in housing development, emphasizing the importance of improving living conditions and expanding access to adequate shelter.
He also underscored the need for long — term urban planning to ensure sustainable development.
The Somali delegation’s participation in the World Urban Forum comes at a time when the country is actively seeking international support for its urban development agenda.
The meeting with the Qatari counterpart is a testament to the growing importance of bilateral cooperation between Somalia and Qatar, particularly in the realms of housing development and urban planning. Qatar’s foreign aid and political strategies in the Horn of Africa, including Somalia, have been a subject of interest.
Since the 2017 blockade, the Horn of Africa has become increasingly important to Qatar’s foreign policy and aid efforts, intensifying political and economic competition with other Gulf players.
The Somali minister’s visit to the World Urban Forum also provided an opportunity to showcase the country’s commitment to advancing its housing agenda. Yusuf highlighted the need for international collaboration in addressing the housing crisis, emphasizing that Somalia’s challenges are not unique and that solutions can be found through collective efforts.
While the specifics of the discussions between Yusuf and his Qatari counterpart were not disclosed, the meeting is seen as a positive step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing dialogue on sustainable development.
The Somali government’s efforts to address the housing crisis are part of a broader strategy to improve the living conditions of its citizens.
The country’s participation in international forums like the World Urban Forum is a testament to its commitment to learning from global best practices and adapting them to its unique context.
As Somalia continues to navigate the complexities of urban development, the country’s engagement with international partners is crucial.
The World Urban Forum provided a platform for Somalia to showcase its policy ambitions and seek support for its housing agenda, a move that is likely to have significant implications for the country’s urban development efforts in the coming years.
In conclusion, the meeting between Somalia’s Housing Minister and his Qatari counterpart at the World Urban Forum is a significant development in Somalia’s efforts to address its urban development challenges.
The dialogue underscores the importance of international cooperation and the need for sustainable development strategies to improve the living conditions of millions of Somalis.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: sonna.so
Source: Khadarow
