Garowe, Puntland – The Media Association of Puntland (MAP), in partnership with the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOM), conducted a successful two-day training on October 6-7, 2024, at the Taleex Hotel in Garowe.
The training brought together 20 participants from civil society and journalists, focusing on empowering youth, women, and marginalized communities to leverage social media for advocacy on climate action and human rights.
The training equipped participants with skills in content creation, digital storytelling, and social media strategies, enabling them to develop impactful campaigns that can raise awareness and inspire change. Participants engaged in collaborative sessions designed to create targeted social media campaigns to address critical issues within their communities.
Speaking at the opening of the event, MAP Chairperson Mohamed Dahir Warsame stated, “In our rapidly changing world, the power of social media cannot be underestimated. This training is an essential step toward empowering our youth and marginalized groups to raise their voices on issues that matter. By equipping them with the skills to use these platforms effectively, we are fostering a new generation of advocates for change.”
Muna Abuagla, Human Rights Officer with UNSOM, visited the training and emphasized the importance of addressing climate change through collective action. She highlighted the role of social media as a powerful advocacy tool and commended MAP for its efforts in organizing the event, recognizing the association’s commitment to empowering local communities.
Abdulkadir Osman, a veteran journalist and communication expert from UNSOM, co-facilitated the training and led a session on social media strategies. “In today’s digital age, storytelling is vital. The ability to craft compelling narratives can make a significant difference in how we address important issues like climate change and human rights. This training empowers participants to become both skilled content creators and informed advocates for change,” said Osman.
One of the participants, Amal, shared her enthusiasm about the experience, saying, “This training has been incredibly enlightening. I now feel confident using social media to advocate for the issues affecting our communities. The skills I’ve gained will help me share our stories and connect with others who are passionate about change.”
This collaboration between MAP and UNSOM reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the voices of youth and marginalized communities in Puntland, equipping them with the tools needed to create meaningful social change.
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