Khayre Addresses the United Nations General Assembly
In a defining moment of his tenure, former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre delivered a compelling address at the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. His speech marked a significant milestone in Somalia’s diplomatic history and highlighted the country’s emerging voice in international affairs after decades of civil unrest and political isolation.
Standing before world leaders, Prime Minister Khayre presented a confident, forward-looking vision for Somalia — a nation long associated with conflict but now working hard to rebuild its institutions, restore stability, and reclaim its place in the global community. His address was not only a showcase of statesmanship but also a demonstration of how far Somalia had come under his leadership.
Key Themes in Khayre’s Address
During his speech, Khayre emphasized Somalia’s progress on several fronts:
Governance & Reform: He spoke about his administration’s commitment to transparency, federal cooperation, and public service reform. By tackling corruption, introducing performance-based leadership, and reforming financial systems, Khayre conveyed that Somalia was building institutions rooted in accountability and law.
Security & Stability: Khayre acknowledged the security challenges facing Somalia but stressed the progress made in reclaiming territory from terrorist groups and rebuilding the Somali National Army. He thanked international partners, including the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), for their continued support.
Debt Relief & Economic Recovery: A major highlight of the address was Somalia’s advancement toward eligibility for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief initiative. Khayre expressed optimism about Somalia’s future economic potential and called on international financial institutions to continue supporting Somalia’s fiscal recovery.
Youth & Education: Khayre dedicated a powerful segment of his speech to Somalia’s youth, referring to them as “the heartbeat of our future.” He spoke of the government’s investments in education, job training, and entrepreneurship — essential tools to empower the next generation and reduce radicalization.
Climate Change & Humanitarian Needs: The Prime Minister also highlighted Somalia’s vulnerability to climate change, droughts, and natural disasters. He appealed for sustained humanitarian assistance and more robust climate adaptation strategies in East Africa.
A Diplomatic Turning Point
Khayre’s appearance at the UNGA symbolized a diplomatic breakthrough for Somalia. His poised and articulate delivery was well-received by delegates and international media alike. For a country long absent from global forums, his speech marked a return — not just of presence, but of purpose.
International observers praised the address for its balanced tone — neither defensive nor overly optimistic. It offered an honest assessment of Somalia’s challenges while presenting a credible roadmap for the country’s path forward. Khayre’s speech helped reframe Somalia in global eyes: not as a failed state, but as a resilient nation striving for peace, development, and unity.
Legacy and Impact
Hassan Ali Khayre’s participation in the UNGA reinforced his reputation as a diplomatic reformer — a leader capable of bridging domestic priorities with international collaboration. His message of inclusion, peacebuilding, and reform laid the groundwork for stronger bilateral relations and renewed trust in Somalia’s leadership.
The 2019 UNGA appearance remains one of the most significant events in Khayre’s diplomatic career. It demonstrated his administration’s commitment to global partnerships and reminded the world that Somalia’s story is not one of despair — but one of recovery, resilience, and rebirth.