Somali President Touches Down in Ethiopia for U.N. Food Security Summit

Addis Ababa (AX) – On a fine Sunday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on an important journey to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This visit is significant as he gears up to participate in the United Nations Global Food Security Summit, a platform gained prominence for addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time—food security.

The summit isn’t merely a gathering; it’s a high-level forum that unites global and regional leaders. Together, they are set to explore immediate solutions to the burgeoning food crisis that affects millions across the globe. It’s during challenging times like these that leaders must come together, striving not just to identify problems but to devise actionable strategies to combat them. One can’t help but wonder: How do we rise to the occasion when so many face hunger and crisis?

At this summit, President Hassan Sheikh is anticipated to deliver a compelling speech. His words will shine a light on the pressing food insecurity issues facing Somalia and the greater Horn of Africa. Somalia, a land imbued with rich traditions yet challenged by numerous adversities, has seen the impacts of climate change ripple through its agricultural and livestock sectors. Such a profound reality raises the question: What role does international cooperation play in building resilience against these challenges? This isn’t just a question for leaders but for all of us. The world is interconnected, and collectively, we bear some responsibility for each other’s well-being.

The stakes are high. For many Somali families, the struggle for food is not a distant concern; it’s a daily battle that shapes their lives and future. President Hassan Sheikh’s address will not only outline Somalia’s ongoing efforts to reduce social vulnerability but will also highlight the urgent need for sustainable development. As he steps onto the podium, one can only hope that his words will resonate, urging a sense of community and shared responsibility among nations.

During his time in Addis Ababa, it’s also expected that President Hassan Sheikh will engage in a critical dialogue with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This meeting isn’t merely about bilateral relations; it’s an opportunity for two leaders who understand the intricate dynamics of the Horn of Africa to exchange views on the pressing realities shaping their region. One can only imagine the conversation surrounding the myriad challenges, from political instability to economic hardships, as they underline their shared goal of a prosperous and peaceful future.

Looking ahead, the United Nations is preparing for the Food Systems Summit Stocktake, or UNFSS+4, scheduled for July 27–29, 2025, in Addis Ababa. This event aims to build upon the foundations laid by the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit and the subsequent Stocktake in 2023. It serves a vital purpose: to assess global progress in transforming food systems with the overarching aim of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

As we approach this summit, one must ponder: Are we making meaningful strides toward a world where no one goes hungry? The summit aims not just to evaluate progress but to foster collaboration and mobilize resources to build sustainable food systems. It raises an essential point—are we adequately prepared to turn our dialogue into action, or do we risk falling back into complacency?

Conversations around food security touch upon intricate matters of policy, agriculture, and community health, but they also connect deeply with our human experience. Each statistic of malnutrition represents an individual story, a family struggling, and a community wrestling with hope versus despair. Perhaps it’s time to consider the human element in discussions that too often focus on the abstract. As the saying goes, “In times of crisis, it is important to have a good sense of the shared human experience.”

In an era where climate change acts as a formidable adversary, the need for sustainable agricultural practices and mindful consumption has never been more pronounced. The future of food security depends not solely on policy changes but also on our collective social consciousness. Imagine a world where communities come together, not just to feed themselves but to support one another in overcoming adversities. Isn’t that a vision worth striving for?

As this pivotal summit unfolds, the eyes of the world will be on Addis Ababa, eagerly awaiting the outcomes of discussions that could shape the future of food security across continents. The resolve of our leaders, along with the involvement of global communities, will play a crucial role in transforming aspirational words into concrete actions. Will we rise to the challenge? The coming days may hold the answers.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.