Mogadishu, 11 April 2019 – The UNFPA Representative, Mr. Anders Thomsen, today officially presented his credentials to the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Ahmed Isse Awad received Mr. Thomsen’s accreditation letter.

During the meeting, His Excellency and Mr. Thomsen discussed the ways and means to further enhance the partnership between UNFPA and the Government of Somalia in the areas of maternal health, population and development, gender and youth.

Mr. Thomsen pledged continued support in investing in a safer and brighter future for Somali mothers and children and in programmes that can yield enormous dividends for sustainable development in Somalia.

“We are recommitting to work hand in hand with the Federal Republic of Somalia to ensure that the number and rate of women dying from complications of pregnancy or childbirth has been reduced, families are healthier and young people are more connected and empowered than ever before,” said Mr. Thomsen

The new UNFPA Representative to Somalia took the opportunity to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to lead a strong delegation to the Nairobi Summit, a high-level conference to advance the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action. The conference to take place from 12 to 14 November, 2019 will offer an inclusive platform, bringing together governments, UN agencies, civil society, private sector organizations, women’s groups and youth networks to discuss and agree on actions to accelerate the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action. The Nairobi Summit will help to rally a broad coalition of stakeholders to protect the gains made and advance the ICPD agenda to ensure that no one is left behind.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the United Nations reproductive health and rights agency. Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.

UNFPA's support to Somalia began in the 1970s. The third Country Programme commenced in 2018 and will end in 2020. UNFPA works closely with the Government line ministries and UN agencies to contribute to national development goals and towards the improvement of the overall quality of life of Somali people.

Mr. Thomsen has more than 25 years of experience in Development and Humanitarian Assistance, with a commitment to promoting Human Right, Reproductive Health and Poverty Reduction. In the fast five years, he has served as UNFPA Representative to Palestine with a focus on tackling Humanitarian and Development challenges related to Population Dynamics, Youth, Reproductive Health and combating Gender-Based Violence. He is a national of Denmark.

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UNFPA inquiries: please contact Ms. Pilirani Semu-Banda, Communications, Partnerships and Donor Relations Specialist, UNFPA Somalia, Tel: +254 734500439; semu-banda@unfpa.org