Mogadishu, 3 December 2025 – More than 150 United Nations Somalia senior officials, staff, and partners participated on Wednesday morning in a marathon and walkathon to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (#IDPD2025), coinciding with the global 16 Days of Activism campaign. Under the theme “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” runners and walkers gathered at sunrise, many dressed in the campaign’s signature orange, to promote inclusion and raise awareness on digital Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Bringing together staff from across UN agencies—including persons with disabilities, the route was designed to be fully accessible, reflecting the day’s purpose. Among the runners was Etienne Peterschmitt, FAO Somalia Representative, who completed the 10-kilometre race. He described the event as meaningful not only for its athletic element but for what it represented.

“I am particularly happy because today, we are celebrating persons with disabilities. As FAO, like many other UN agencies, this is an important theme. We want to encourage our partners, those who work in the field with us, non-government organizations, the government. I think we can do more if we are to have an inclusive society,” said Peterschmitt. 

For many participants, the day also offered a chance to stand in solidarity with women and girls affected by digital violence. One of them was Naomi Otieno from UNTMIS, who ran the 5-kilometre race to amplify the link between disability inclusion and the 16 Days campaign. “I did this to celebrate persons with disabilities and join the global campaign against digital violence on women and girls. This is one of the key activities of the 16 Days of Activism to end digital violence against women and girls, and it's crucial for all ladies, including persons living with disabilities, to know that they are able,” she explained.

The event culminated in a medal ceremony at the UN compound, where UN Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), James Swan, and Officer-in-Charge Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Qurat-Ul-Ain Sadozai, joined the staff to reflect on the significance of the day. Winners received medals and certificates and were commended for their passion and active participation in raising awareness on the rights of persons with disabilities.

“This year’s theme reminds us that social progress depends on removing the barriers – physical, social, digital, and attitudinal – that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in society,” SRSG Swan said in his remarks to the participants. “Persons with disabilities still face unequal access to services, employment, education, and decision-making. These are challenges we must address together, with urgency and resources.”

The UN Special Representative also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to standing firmly with the Somali government and partners, to “advance the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, strengthen policy frameworks, and ensure UN programmes are fully aligned with the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy.” 

OIC Head of UNSOS Sadozai echoed this commitment, stressing the United Nations unwavering commitment to the rights and inclusions of persons with disabilities. “This day is not just about remembrance, it is a critical moment for accountability and reflection on how we, as UN, are translating our global commitment into tangible, inclusive actions right here within our premises, our offices and our work”.  

She also highlighted the significant progress in creating a truly accessible environment: “Our ability to deliver as per our mandate is linked to our commitment to build an accessible, supportive and inclusive workplace, transforming the UN compound into a model of an inclusive society where every member of our staff, including those living with disabilities, can thrive”.    

The collective spirit of the day resonated strongly with UN Women’s Head of Office in Somalia, Rukaya Mohamed, who praised the strong turnout showed a shared commitment to ending violence and promoting dignity for all, especially women and girls in Somalia.  

Bringing together participants of all abilities, including persons with disabilities, the marathon and walkathon served as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to build a society where every person, regardless of gender or ability, is safe, respected, and empowered. The event was not only a tribute to resilience but a call for sustained action toward equality and inclusion in Somalia.