Somalia is working with its international partners to build a democratic, inclusive and prosperous country for its citizens, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as 鈥楩armajo鈥�, told the UN General Assembly on Thursday.听
鈥淒espite the challenges of听COVID-19, we are still working hard to undertake inclusive national elections where the Somali people can determine their future,鈥� he said.听
鈥淲e are firmly committed to promoting and instilling a strong tradition of democracy and accountable governance which serves the Somali people first and foremost.鈥澨�
Like nations worldwide, Somalia has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.听
President Mohamed reported on the 鈥減ainful鈥� contraction of the economy and job losses, as well as the need to continue investing in basic public services to protect citizens against the virus.听
鈥淵ou can all appreciate this is a huge task for a recovering post-conflict State like Somalia,鈥� he said, 鈥渂ut our Government has and will remain steadfast in rising and responding to the diverse challenges that lie ahead.鈥澨�
In response to the crisis, the Somali authorities implemented tax exemptions on staple food items, thus putting people first. They are now cautiously beginning to open the economy so that normal life can resume.听
Somalia also attained debt relief from its major international creditors and the President acknowledged this support.听
鈥淎s we progress towards achieving debt cancellation through our enabling economic reforms, we remain cognizant that Somalia鈥檚 economic future and the prosperity of its people are closely interlinked with that of the rest of the world,鈥� he stated, underlining the importance of greater international trade and investment in the country. 听
Turning to the wider world, President Mohamed also focused on the need to achieve the听Sustainable Development Goals听(SDGs) by the 2030 deadline.听
The 17 SDGs aim to slash extreme poverty, reduce hunger and create a better future for all people and the planet.听
听鈥淲e cannot afford to leave anyone behind,鈥� said Mr. Mohamed, echoing the SDG promise. 听听
鈥淭his means that the United Nations will have to improve further, innovate faster and deliver better for the most fragile nations and vulnerable communities.鈥澨�
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