From Diplomacy to Real Impact: What Somalia Can Learn from the UAE-Colombia Partnership

Somalia — September 8, 2026

Today, I spent hours reading about the 50-year relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Colombia, and it left me thinking deeply about what international partnerships can truly mean for ordinary people and the future of nations.

What impressed me most was how cooperation between two geographically distant countries can develop over decades into a broader partnership built around trade, investment, technology, clean energy, and sustainable development. It is a powerful reminder that geographical distance does not have to stand in the way of meaningful international cooperation.

For me, the most important lesson is that diplomacy is not simply about handshakes, meetings, or signing agreements. Its real value can be seen when those relationships translate into opportunities, development, innovation, and tangible improvements in people's everyday lives.

The UAE's growing focus on technology, clean energy, investment, and international cooperation demonstrates how diplomacy can move beyond traditional economic interests and contribute to the development of communities and societies.

After five decades of relations between the UAE and Colombia, major trade agreements have further demonstrated how international partnerships can continue to evolve when there is a shared vision and genuine commitment to cooperation.

This naturally makes me ask: What if we could see more partnerships like this in Somalia?

Somalia has an ambitious young population, significant natural resources, a strategic geographic position, and enormous potential in areas such as technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, and investment. What we need is greater international cooperation that can turn these opportunities into tangible progress and real possibilities for future generations.

As young Somalis, successful international experiences should not simply be stories we read about. They should be examples we learn from and adapt to our own reality.

We want to see a Somalia that is more connected to the world, builds strong and balanced international relationships, embraces technology and investment, and creates new opportunities for its people.

The 50-year UAE-Colombia relationship carries an important message: international relations should not be measured only by the number of agreements signed, but by the positive impact those relationships create for people.

I hope the day comes when Somalia becomes part of more stories of successful international cooperation—where our young generation can help build strong global partnerships and contribute to a more stable, prosperous, and brighter future for our country.