Wednesday November 6, 2024
UNSOS staff, along with partners from the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the Somali Federal Government, gather in Mogadishu to celebrate ongoing collaborative efforts in enhancing Somalia’s aviation and security sectors.CREDIT/UNSOS
Mogadishu (HOL) — The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has been acknowledged for making strides in transforming the aviation landscape by training the next generation of Somali aviation professionals. The initiative is particularly impactful for young women, including nineteen-year-old Samiya Mohamed, who aspire to enter the field in a country where they are underrepresented.
Currently enrolled in an aviation training program offered by UNSOS, Mohamed is a trainee in Aeronautical Information Management at the Aviation and Movement Control office in Mogadishu. Her experience reflects the collaborative efforts of UNSOS, the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) to enhance aviation security, ramp management, air operations, medical evacuation, and meteorology.
"This program is the best path for me to understand how to manage aviation activities and a significant step toward my dream of becoming a pilot," she said.
UNSOS Aviation Services says it is dedicated to building the skills of Somali air personnel, Special Forces, the Somali Air Force, and civilian aviation students through comprehensive training and mentorship.
At a recent visit to the Aviation Section in Mogadishu, Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, emphasized the need for Somalia to become self-sufficient. "The future does not depend solely on the continuation of the African Union or UNSOS. The future lies in a sovereign, secure, self-sufficient, and democratic Republic of Somalia," he stated.
Somalia's National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh-Ali, expressed optimism about the partnership's potential to advance the country's peacebuilding efforts, stating, "In a few years, Somalia will see improvements, especially in aviation capabilities." He acknowledged the complexities involved in pursuing aviation education.
Aisa Kacyira, Head of UNSOS, stressed the partnership's role in transitioning responsibilities to the Somali government. "If there is anywhere the UN and the AU can make a difference, it is in Somalia, where they not only speak but also follow their words with action," she said.
Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Head of ATMIS, praised UNSOS for its capacity-building program, asserting, "We are nurturing and supporting a generation that can take over the future. We are proud of UNSOS for its contributions to this mission."
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