Mogadishu - Samiya Mohamed, a 19-year-old aspiring pilot, is making significant strides toward her dream in a country where women in aviation are scarce. 

Samiya’s journey took a transformative turn when she enrolled in the United Nations Support Office in Somalia's (UNSOS) aviation training program designed for young Somalis, shifting her trajectory from uncertainty to promise.

As an Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) trainee at the Aviation and Movement Control office in Mogadishu, Samiya exemplifies the collaborative efforts of ATMIS, UNSOS and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in aviation security, ramp management, air operations, medical evacuation and meteorology.

“This is the best path for me to understand how to manage aviation activities and a significant step toward my dream of becoming a pilot. I am grateful to UNSOS, ATMIS, and FGS for making this possible,” she says.

UNSOS Aviation Services is leading the empowerment of future generation aviation experts by training, coaching and mentoring Somali air personnel, Somali Special Forces, Somali Air Force, and civilian aviation students. 

Recently, Atul Khare, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, visited the Aviation Section in Mogadishu to monitor the partnership’s achievements. 

“The future does not rely on the continuation of the African Union or UNSOS. The future lies in a sovereign, secure, self-sufficient, and democratic Republic of Somalia,” Khare said.

Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh-Ali, expressed confidence in the partnership's ability to fulfil Somalia’s peacebuilding aspirations. 

“In a few years, Somalia will be improved, particularly in aviation capabilities,” Ali said. “It is a complex field, and it’s not easy to enrol in an aviation university or gain skills through the UN and AU's on-the-job training.” 

Head of UNSOS, Aisa Kacyira, stressed the importance of the partnership in transferring security and other responsibilities to the Somali government.

“If there is anywhere the UN and the AU can make a difference, it is in Somalia because they not only speak but also follow their words with action,” said Ms. Kacyira. 

Head of ATMIS, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, praised UNSOS for its capacity-building program in empowering Somalia’s future aviation experts. 

“We are nurturing and supporting a generation that can take over the future. We are proud of UNSOS for its contributions to this mission,” said Ambassador Souef..