Somalia urged to set timelines to deliver set priorities by 2020

Source: Xinhua| 2019-10-02 20:22:15|Editor: ZX
Video PlayerClose

MOGADISHU, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) --The UN senior envoy in Somalia has called on the government to set clear objectives and timelines with the goal of delivering on the set priorities by 2020.

James Swan, special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia who spoke at the ongoing Somalia Partnership Forum (SPF) in Mogadishu, called for concerted efforts to tackle existing challenges to pave way for their delivery.

"This Somalia Partnership Forum now offers an opportunity to chart a course forward for the next 12 to 15 months, with clearly defined priority objectives and timelines," Swan told participants from 50 countries on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the UN mission (UNSOM).

"While acknowledging and celebrating progress to date, we must also be honest and frank about the challenges that remain. And, together, we must redouble efforts to overcome these challenges and ensure that 2020 is the year of delivery on the most important priorities," he added.

Swan noted that the intent was to focus on the so-called Mutual Accountability Framework (MAF) for 2019-2020, and have an active discussion and exchange of ideas for how to implement its content.

"Today, I suggest we seize the opportunity of so many friends of Somalia gathered around this table to emphasize concrete steps needed for implementation of priority commitments agreed in the Mutual Accountability Framework," he said.

The MAF details the joint commitments of Somalia and its international partners in the areas of political reforms, security, economic development, and recovery and humanitarian assistance, as the country rebuilds after decades of armed conflict and climate-related shocks.

The forum discussed national elections and the constitutional review, to be completed within the agreed timelines; plans for further action to degrade al-Shabab and build Somali security and justice institutions, using the principles of the plan known as the Comprehensive Approach to Security.

The event will also discuss the next steps to meet requirements for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative for debt relief by early 2020; and the collective response to the pressing needs of Somalia's people by building resilience and sustainable development for Somalis, in keeping with partnership principles.

Mahdi Mohammed Gulaid, Somalia's deputy prime minister said the landmark achievements registered so far have been made possible due to the commitment from Somalia's political stakeholders with generous financial and technical assistance from the partners

"Despite the promising prospects, we are under no illusion to underestimate the myriad of challenges ahead for the country's road to full recovery, which demands concerted political and financial commitments from both local stakeholders and international partners," Gulaid said.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020071430000000000000011100001384445301