Economic recovery, COVID-19 vaccines dominate Farmaajo's UN speech

Mohamed Farmajo at the General Assembly at the UN. (Photo by Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA)

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo was one of the key speakers on Tuesday in the ongoing United Nations General Assembly [UNGA] in New York, where he delivered his speech on Zoom.

In his speech, Farmaajo emphasized the need for the international partners to continue helping Somalia recover from the worst economic crisis, adding that financial institutions have an obligation to help the Horn of Africa nation.

“Economic reforms are key to the sustainable recovery and development of Somalia,” said President Mohamed, who is known as ‘Farmaajo’.

“In this regard, we are determined to continue growing our domestic revenue base, strengthening transparency and good governance, as well working even more closely with our people and all our development partners to ensure that Somalia’s recovery from COVID-19 is swift and sustainable.”

Remaining hopeful, recovering together

This latest UN General Assembly is being held under the theme of building resilience through hope in the wake of the pandemic.

The Covid-19 menace, Farmaajo said, has wreaked havoc in young economies, adding that life has become unbearable in many countries. The pandemic, he noted, remains the worst in the recent history of the world.

“However, uncertainty and inability are different: I strongly believe that we as a community of nations are capable and must recover together by remaining hopeful,” he said.

“Throughout history, mankind has been challenged but never has our collective spirit and determination to learn, share, progress, and prosper through effective partnership been beaten.”

Farmaajo, who assumed powers in 2017, asked the world to make vaccines available to all, noting that the world should move forward as a team. Many developing nations are struggling with the pandemic.

“It is fundamental to recognize that responding to COVID-19 requires a renewed commitment to vaccinations for all,” he stated.

"Human safety is the cornerstone of any sustainable recovery from this disastrous health pandemic.”

Also, Farmaajo addressed the urgent need to protect the environment. Somalia’s economic reform relies on its natural resources, which include one of the world’s longest coastlines and vast tracts of arable land.

However, the country continues to experience the painful results of global warming, he said, pointing to recurring cycles of destructive and deadly droughts and floods.

“Looking forward, it is the collective duty of all states, communities, and individuals to respond to the needs of the planet,” said the President. “We must all do our absolute best to cooperate to protect the future of our planet and our source of life, wealth, and well-being.

GAROWE ONLINE