The United Nations' three-decade-long political mission in Somalia has reached a significant milestone with the closure of the UN Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) on October 31st. This achievement marks a major step forward in the country's journey towards recovery and state-building. Since the early 1990s, Somalia has undergone a profound transformation, emerging from a period of conflict, instability, and humanitarian crises. The country has made significant progress in restoring governance, rebuilding institutions, and fostering national reconciliation, thanks to the support of successive political missions. As UNTMIS closes, Somali institutions will take on the full responsibility for the country's recovery, with support from UN agencies already working in the country. The Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Raisedon Zenenga, noted that Somalia now possesses national and federal institutions that did not exist when the UN's political engagement began. Progress has been made in state formation, political inclusion, constitutional processes, human rights frameworks, and the development of governance structures that enable Somali-led decision-making. The UN will continue to support Somalia through humanitarian and development efforts, with over 25 UN entities working across the country. Recent initiatives include a renovated vegetable market in Balcad, which provides 56 sturdy stalls to women-headed households and small enterprises, and a school meals programme in Puntland that links local farmers and fisherfolk to schools serving 18,700 children. Despite the progress made, the situation in Somalia remains complex, with ongoing conflict and climate shocks affecting millions of people. The UN's humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, estimates that 4.8 million Somalis need humanitarian assistance, and aid agencies are seeking $852 million to reach 2.4 million people. The UN Secretary-General emphasizes the need for continued support to tackle the threat from the terror group Al-Shabaab and to help Somalia move towards a gradual, sustainable security transition. As Somalia's leaders look ahead, they will need to address the country's significant poverty challenges while steadying a fragile economy.