I am honored to stand before you today as we officially launch the KOICA-UNFPA project, a collaboration that symbolizes hope and a brighter future for the people of Somalia. This partnership between the Government of the Republic of Korea, through KOICA, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), represents an extraordinary commitment to the wellbeing, dignity, and health of the Somali people, particularly women, girls, adolescents, and youth.

In a country that has been deeply affected by protracted conflict, climate change, and displacement, this project serves as a beacon of hope - one that seeks to transform lives, empower communities, and ensure that no one is left behind, especially the most vulnerable. Today marks not just the beginning of a new chapter for a tripartite partnership among UNFPA, the Government of Somalia and Government of the Republic of Korea, but also a profound opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to improving sexual and reproductive health, addressing gender-based violence, and supporting adolescents and youth in Somalia.

This project titled, “Providing Lifesaving and Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender-Based Violence Services in Humanitarian Settings”, aligns with the: 

• KOICA 2021–2025 Gender Strategy, 
• the Somalia National Development Plan 2020 - 2024, and
• the National Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Strategy (2023–2027).  

Also, it aligns with the Somalia’s National Development Plan 2020-2024 and is directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, and Goal 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls and Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Equally, the project aligns with the UFPA's global vision of achieving the three transformative results aimed at:

• reducing preventable maternal deaths, 
• addressing the unmet need for family planning and 
• providing protection from gender-based violence and harmful practices. 

This project comes at a critical time, when Somalia has long endured the devastating impacts of conflict, displacement, and recurring climate-related crises, which have left about 6.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance according to the 2024 Somalia Needs Humanitarian Response Plan. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by these cries and continue to face increased risks of sexual and gender-based violence, maternal mortality, and limited access to essential sexual and reproductive health services. 

This project directly addresses these challenges by increasing access to lifesaving, integrated sexual reproductive health and gender based violence services, which will ensure that women and girls can exercise their right to health, dignity, and protection. In particular, this project will ensure that adolescents and youth have access to essential sexual and reproductive health services tailored to their unique needs. The project will also integrate adolescent and youth-friendly spaces where they can receive comprehensive gender based violence prevention, risk mitigation, and response services in a safe, confidential, and age-appropriate manner.

It is envisaged that at the end of the project, 540,000 individuals in need will have received integrated SRH, GBV, and youth-focused services across Somalia.  Through this collaboration, UNFPA will ensure that vulnerable women and girls receive integrated life-saving SRH and GBV services in a safe and dignified manner; youth are engaged and empowered through targeted initiatives that enhance their access to essential services, skills development, and opportunities for policy dialogue; frontline SRH and GBV workers’ capacity is strengthened; and coordination mechanisms are bolstered to integrate SRH, GBV, and youth services into the broader humanitarian development peace nexus.

Today’s launch is a significant milestone in our journey toward achieving transformative change in Somalia. It is a testament to the power of partnerships and the difference we can make when we work together with a shared vision. The KOICA-UNFPA project is more than just a program; it is a lifeline for the women, girls, adolescents, and youth who will benefit from its interventions.

As we embark on this journey, let us remember that we are not just addressing immediate needs but laying the foundation for long-term change—change that will empower women and girls, strengthen communities, and build a healthier, more equitable Somalia.

I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to KOICA, the Government of Somalia, and all of our partners for their unwavering support. Together, we will achieve the three transformative results, reduce GBV, improve SRH outcomes, and empower adolescents and youth, ensuring a future where every person in Somalia can thrive with dignity and equality.