Wednesday September 25, 2024
by BRIAN ORUTA
The plan is expected to ultimately improve coordination among stakeholders and safeguarding against future emergencies.
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Somalia Minister of Communications Mohamed Adam (in red tie, black suit) with NCA Director General, Mustafa Yasin Sheikh (in red tie, grey checked suit) among other officials at the inauguration of the National Multi-stakeholder meeting on the Implementation of the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP). Image: HANDOUT
The National Multi-Stakeholder Meeting on the Implementation of the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) has officially kicked off.
The meeting organized by the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Somalia, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the GSMA, was inaugurated by the Minister of Communications, Mohamed Adam.
Speaking during the inauguration, Mohamed said the multi-stakeholder consultation shows the country’s commitment to enhancing its emergency and disaster response.
He stated that the country aims to put in place a robust telecommunication infrastructure to facilitate the same.
"Telecommunications is crucial for emergency response and disaster management. Today's gathering demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the Somali people.
“We aim to establish a solid and resilient telecommunications infrastructure that can effectively respond to emergencies and enhance our national capabilities in disaster management, early warning systems, and critical communication networks,” the minister said.
The four-day meeting will outline roles and responsibilities for implementing the NETP, ensuring that all stakeholders contribute to a cohesive and efficient emergency telecommunications system.
The NCA Director General, Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, emphasised the critical role of telecommunication operators in maintaining robust emergency communications.
He said the plan will be vital in ensuring communication infrastructure remains operational and dependable during times of crisis.
"The success of the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan depends heavily on the active participation of our telecom operators. Their infrastructure, services, and technical expertise form the backbone of Somalia's emergency communications framework," Mustafa said.
The meeting was also attended by officials from the National Communications Authority, Somali Disaster Management Agency, Minister of Water and Energy Resources, representatives of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Somalia, and delegates from international organizations, including ITU, GSMA, UNICEF, IFRC, UNDP, and the World Bank.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to significantly enhance the implementation framework for Somalia's National Emergency Telecommunications Plan.
The plan is expected to ultimately improve coordination among stakeholders and safeguarding against future emergencies.