Your Excellency Prime Minister; Madam Chair; Delegates and Colleagues,
It is both an honor and a privilege to speak on behalf of the Federal Republic of Somalia. I begin by extending our heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Timor‑Leste for their generous hospitality and for hosting this important Ministerial Meeting in Dili—a city where the G7+ was founded and that continues to inspire our collective vision for peace and resilience.
Your Excellency, allow me to share some key recent developments and aspirations of Somalia for the G7+ platform. Somalia has reached several historic milestones that exemplify our recovery journey and stand as a testament not only to our nation’s resilience but also to the positive impact of principled international cooperation and sustained reform efforts.
We successfully reached the Completion Point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. This achievement has allowed Somalia to clear arrears, re‑engage with international financial institutions, and embark on a path toward sustainable development.
The United Nations Security Council lifted the arms embargo on Somalia after decades of restrictions, in recognition of our progress in state‑building and security sector reforms. This move restores our sovereign right to manage national defence and marks a significant milestone in enhancing internal security.
Somalia’s formal accession to the East African Community further deepens regional economic integration, boosts trade, and strengthens both cultural and political ties with EAC member countries.
We were elected as a non‑permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–2026 term. This election is a clear acknowledgment of Somalia’s stabilizing role in the Horn of Africa and our increasing contributions to global peace and diplomacy.
Under the leadership of H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia has taken meaningful steps to resume our path toward inclusive and democratic governance. We have launched a major initiative to transition from clan‑based indirect elections to a one‑person, one‑vote system, thereby laying the groundwork for universal suffrage and true representation.
Significant progress has been made toward revising and finalising the Somali draft constitution. Our Federal Parliament has played a pivotal role in this process, working toward a permanent constitution that reflects a federal structure, guarantees civil rights, and provides a clear framework for governance, elections, and the rule of law.
These achievements are milestones on a longer journey, one still shaped by complex challenges. Somalia remains at the forefront of the fight against violent extremism. Our government has recorded significant territorial and security gains against Al-Shabaab, achieved through coordinated operations involving the Somali National Army, local communities, and international partners. These hard‑fought victories have paved the way for the return of displaced populations, the resumption of public services, and the strengthening of state presence in areas once held by militants.
We call upon our partners, especially the G7 countries, to maintain coordinated and long‑term support for our security and stabilization efforts. This is not solely a national priority—it is a shared global responsibility.
At the same time, the impacts of climate change continue to compound our vulnerabilities. Somalia is experiencing increasingly frequent and intense droughts and floods that displace communities and undermine livelihoods. We reiterate the urgent need for accessible and tailored climate financing, and we call for fragile states to be recognised as equal partners in the global climate agenda.
Despite these gains, structural barriers to sustainable development remain. Financing constraints continue to limit our ability to consolidate peace and invest in resilience. We fully support the Dili Resolution’s call for global financial reform, including scaled‑up concessional financing, targeted debt relief, and more inclusive decision‑making within international financial institutions.
Excellencies, our aspiration for the G7+ is clear: we seek a stronger platform that not only advocates for the needs of fragile states but actively empowers them to shape the policies that define their futures. Somalia remains committed to contributing to the peer‑learning model of the G7+, particularly in areas such as federalism, reconciliation, and public sector reform.
As we look ahead to the inaugural G7+ Heads of State and Government Summit at the United Nations General Assembly, Somalia stands ready to support and strengthen our collective voice. Together, we can transform shared fragility into shared progress and convert challenges into lasting, meaningful transformation.
Thank you.
Isaak