11 October 2026 | Mogadishu, Somalia. United Nations personnel from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) and UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes came together in Mogadishu to mark World Mental Health Day under the 2026 theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.
Co-chaired by the Acting Assistant Secretary-General and Head of UNSOS, Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, and the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. George Conway, the commemoration highlighted the importance of listening to experiences, reducing stigma and promoting mental health and well-being across the UN workforce in Somalia, strengthening our collective ability to support Somali communities.
“Today's commemoration is more than an opportunity to raise awareness. It is an opportunity to listen, to learn, and to strengthen our collective commitment to one another,” emphasised Ms. Sadozai. “Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient United Nations workforce, better equipped to serve the people of Somalia and advance the ideals of our organization”.
Ms. Sadozai emphasised that listening to real voices from lived experiences is essential to transform understanding into action and action into lasting positive change. She underlined that protecting mental health is fundamental to individual well-being, team cohesion, resilience and the United Nations’ ability to deliver on its mandates.
She also highlighted the organisation’s efforts to strengthen prevention, mental health literacy, stigma reduction and timely access to assistance, reaffirming the shared responsibility to build a healthier and more resilient UN workforce.
Mr. Conway emphasised the importance of listening to affected communities, understanding the psychological impact of crises and learning from people’s experiences to strengthen support systems.
“The UN system over the past decade has really tried to put mental health and psychosocial support much more at the centre of our integrated programmes of support to affected populations, in ways that are meaningful and appropriate and that can lead to change”, remarked the DSRSG/RC/HC.
Reinforcing the importance of creating a workplace where personnel feel comfortable seeking help, the Staff Counsellors emphasised that the World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health is not a luxury; it is a fundamental part of our overall well-being. In challenging environments, taking care of our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical health. Let us continue to promote compassion, reduce stigma, and create workplaces where people feel safe to seek support when they need it. Together, we can build a culture of resilience, understanding, and hope.
In Mogadishu, the UNSOS Staff Counselling Unit organised interactive activities to strengthen mental health awareness, encourage open dialogue and promote practical approaches to well-being. Ms. Sadozai and Mr. Conway took part in the activities, leading by example and reinforcing the message that mental health is a shared responsibility.
The Wheel of Emotions offered participants a safe, supportive space to identify and express their feelings, thoughts and personal reflections, encouraging emotional awareness and a better understanding of their experiences. The Fact or Myth game addressed common mental health misconceptions, helping participants distinguish facts from misinformation, strengthened their knowledge, and helped reduce stigma. Meanwhile, the Stress Race encouraged participants to identify less visible sources of stress, reflect on their effects on daily life and explore practical strategies for managing them.
The activities also included a gratitude wall, where participants shared messages of appreciation and positive reflection. By adding their own messages, Ms Sadozai and Mr Conway highlighted the value of creating spaces for open expression, connection and mutual appreciation. The Medical Team conducted vital-sign checks, reinforcing the importance of paying attention to physical health as part of overall well-being.
Uchechi Chukwuma, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist at the World Health Organization (WHO), and Abdikafi Mohamud, a member of the UN staff counselling team, also delivered a presentation emphasising self-care as an essential component of staff well-being and everyday working practices.
The observance extended to the sectors, where UN personnel came together for awareness sessions and exchanges of lived experiences. In Jowhar and Kismayo, participants discussed mental health challenges, including job uncertainty, shared personal experiences and coping strategies, and reflected on the importance of resilience, empathy and peer support.
Across the UN system in Somalia, agencies, funds and programmes are working together to strengthen psychosocial risk assessments, promote mental health literacy, reduce stigma and expand access to well-being resources. The UN Somalia Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy provides a framework for these efforts.
Personnel can also access mental health information, self-assessment tools and practical guidance through the UN MindCompanion platform. The forthcoming UN MindSpace e-learning platform will further opportunities to strengthen mental health awareness and skills across the UN workforce.
