The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, H.E. Abdifatah Kasim Mohamud, met with the Chairman of Somali Civil Society Organizations, Osman Mohamud Shatax, in Mogadishu on Wednesday to discuss strengthening cooperation between the ministry and civil society groups.

The meeting focused on the important role civil society organizations play in promoting public awareness, strengthening peace and social cohesion, advancing press freedom, and combating hate speech, clan-based divisions, and narratives that undermine national unity.

Minister Abdifatah underscored the ministry’s commitment to building effective partnerships with civil society organizations to enhance public understanding, support a free and responsible media sector, and contribute to Somalia’s development and state-building efforts.

For his part, Osman Mohamud Shatax welcomed the ministry’s efforts to advance the media, culture, and public awareness initiatives, reaffirming the commitment of civil society organizations to actively participate in awareness campaigns, peacebuilding efforts, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the promotion of social cohesion.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in implementing public awareness programs, promoting a culture of peace, countering hate speech and clanism, and supporting initiatives aimed at advancing press freedom and public participation in national development.

The meeting forms part of the Ministry of Information’s broader efforts to deepen engagement with civil society organizations in support of a well-informed, united, and peaceful society that actively contributes to Somalia’s development and state-building process.