resilience

Image source Somalia has reached a remarkable epoch in its economic narrative. On December 13, 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank confirmed that Somalia had reached the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion point. This milestone facilitated a dramatic reduction of external debt, from a staggering 64 percent of GDP in 2018 to below 6 percent by the end of 2023—an accomplishment that translates to an impressive $4.5 billion in debt relief. The momentum didn't stop there. In early 2024,…

On a crisp Monday, the Kremlin buzzed with energy as President Vladimir Putin extended a warm welcome to Colonel Assimi Goita, the military head of Mali. Their meeting symbolized much more than a mere handshake; it was the beginning of a strengthened alliance between their two nations. Together, they signed important agreements aimed at bolstering bilateral relations, setting the stage for future collaborations that could reshape their respective geopolitical landscapes. According to Russian official media, this…

The unveiling of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP) for 2025-2029 represents a critical point in our nation's narrative—a narrative previously marred by conflict but now leaning towards recovery and sustainable growth. On a bright morning, with optimism brimming, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced this ambitious scheme designed to serve as a guide to rebuilding a self-sustaining and resilient Somalia. Like a phoenix rising, this plan symbolizes the shift from the former National Development Plan,…

Inspiration During the Holy Month of Ramadan In a world that often seems engulfed in hustle and bustle, it's the quiet bravery within that sometimes speaks the loudest. As I reflect on the connections I've made this past Ramadan, their impact is nothing short of profound. People I have encountered inspire and challenge perceptions of resilience and dedication. Each individual I met during this sacred month carried their unique story—each one intensely personal yet universally…

Chris Harris has carved an intriguing path, charting his life's course through discipline, resilience, and a knack for high-stakes strategies. Emerging from a robust backdrop of 25 years as a military contractor, Harris spent these years shaping the skills of elite warriors in close-quarters combat. Today, he seamlessly translates those same principles into the realm of corporate leadership and sales teams. Imagine transforming an elite warrior into a corporate sage—quite the metamorphosis, isn’t it? This unusual…

Kenya Takes a Bold Leap Towards Climate Resilience The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Aden Duale, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, took the stage. With passion and a nuanced understanding of the intricacies involved, he introduced two groundbreaking initiatives— the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) and the State of the Climate Kenya (SOCK) 2024 Report. These initiatives symbolize Kenya's commitment to fortifying its response to the ever-pressing…

“Too big to fail.” A phrase that resonates deeply in the world of sports, especially in the context of London Irish—a club that, until recently, appeared too entrenched in history to face the unthinkable. With its 125th anniversary fast approaching and a commendable fifth-place finish in the Premiership, the notion that this storied club could collapse suddenly seemed surreal. Yet, like the fates of Wasps and Worcester, the specter of administration loomed ominously, and the clouds began to gather. Just months ago, whispers…

This past week, Birmingham, England, witnessed poignant memorial services commemorating the 50th anniversary of the IRA's harrowing pub bombings that shook the city in 1974. On November 21, 1974, a tragic chain of events unfolded when two bombs detonated in the Mulberry Bush and Tavern in the Town pubs, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of twenty-one lives. Over 180 individuals were injured during this horrific episode, part of a larger IRA bombing spree across England's West Midlands. A third explosive device was…

In the sun-whipped regions of Somalia, where the ground rarely sees rain, date palm trees have become indispensable allies for rural folks. They’re not just green life in the dry, they’re a lifeline, putting food on tables and coins in pockets. It’s been nearly ten years since the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) rolled out its initiative to boost these trusty trees here, and guess what? They’re still standing strong against climate’s curveballs, offering a smidgen of stability where it's needed most. CREDIT/…

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has greenlit a whopping $134 million to kickstart two landmark initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable farming communities in Somalia and Iraq toughen up against climate change.Steered by the good folks over at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, these game-changing projects will arm millions of farmers and herders with the skills to tackle climate chaos like droughts and floods head-on.Kaveh Zahedi, chief honcho of FAO’s Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment…