The UNFPA Somalia Youth Fellowship Programme has successfully offered young Somalis an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in areas central to UNFPA’s mandate. As the fellowship concluded, a ceremony was held to celebrate the fellows’ accomplishments and award certificates in recognition of their dedication. Designed to build professional capacity among Somali youth, the program placed 17 committed fellows within various UNFPA initiatives, where they received structured training, mentorship, and practical exposure. Throughout their fellowship, these young professionals developed essential skills in program implementation, data analysis, communications, and community engagement, significantly bolstering UNFPA’s mission to promote reproductive health, gender equality, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding in Somalia.

Through their roles, the youth fellows actively contributed to impactful projects across the country, demonstrating their potential as change-makers. By immersing themselves in UNFPA’s work, they developed a deeper understanding of development and humanitarian initiatives and played a role in enhancing service delivery and outreach to vulnerable populations. Their work supported initiatives in key areas like health, gender, and youth engagement addressing and learning some of the most pressing challenges in the field.

In her remarks, Dr. Mary Otieno, UNFPA Somalia’s Country Representative a.i., expressed gratitude to the youth fellows, saying, “Thank you for bringing energy and creativity into our various programs. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we are excited to see how you will apply these experiences to make a positive impact in Somalia. We wish each of you the very best in your future endeavors.” Dr. Otieno emphasized that the fellows’ dedication and fresh perspectives added a dynamic layer to the programs, reinforcing UNFPA’s mission to foster a resilient, healthy, and empowered youth population.

The UNFPA Somalia Youth Fellowship Programme is in line with the organization’s commitment to empowering youth as active participants in shaping Somalia’s future. This cohort of 17 youth fellows has left a lasting impact, equipped with skills and knowledge that will aid them in their careers and contribute to the nation’s development journey.