Somaliland Launches Collaborative Local Governance Program with SDC, UNDP, and UN-Habitat
Hargeisa– The Republic of Somaliland’s Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development, led by Minister Hon. Hassan Ahmed Duale (Hassan Macalin), today hosted a high-level meeting with representatives from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and UN-Habitat. The discussions marked a significant step toward a new collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening local governance and urban development across Somaliland.
Joined by the Ministry’s Director General, Mr. Ali Ige Mohamoud, and key department heads, Minister Duale presented plans for a joint program designed to enhance municipal governance, addressing critical urban challenges such as infrastructure, service delivery, and sustainable growth. The Ministry-led initiative seeks to promote innovation and resilience in Somaliland’s cities and towns.
The SDC delegation reiterated Switzerland’s commitment to inclusive development, while UNDP and UN-Habitat offered their technical expertise to ensure the program’s success. All parties agreed to co-develop the project framework, prioritizing scalable solutions tailored to Somaliland’s specific needs.
“This partnership will empower our local authorities to drive transformative change,” said Minister Duale. “We look forward to advancing this ambitious vision together.”
A dedicated working group, comprising representatives from all stakeholders, will be formed to finalize the program’s design. Further updates will be announced in the coming weeks. The initiative is set to enhance Somaliland’s urban development efforts and serve as a model for effective regional cooperation.
