By Goth Mohamed Goth
HARGEISA – The Chairman of the National Umbrella Organization of Youth Associations (SONYO Umbrella), Mr. Mustafa Dayib Abdillahi, today received a delegation from the international NGO TAG at his office. TAG is actively involved in implementing the Resilience, Inclusion, Stability and Economic Development in Somaliland (RISES) program.
The visiting delegation was led by TAG Director Matilda Martin and included Mohamed Yonis, the organization’s Project Advisor. Joining the Chairman on the SONYO Umbrella side were the organization’s Executive Director and Head of Programs.
The meeting centered on mutual introductions, strengthening institutional ties, and exploring potential areas of collaboration between the two organizations. During the discussions, SONYO Umbrella briefed the delegation on its national mandate, its role in youth development and representation, the major challenges facing young people, and the opportunities currently available to them.
Key focus areas included youth employment and economic empowerment, skills development and digital job opportunities, innovation and entrepreneurship, youth participation in governance and decision-making, peacebuilding, community resilience, and capacity-building for youth-led organizations.
Both sides also underscored the importance of research and evidence-based approaches to addressing youth needs, alongside technical support and the development of youth-led initiatives that can deliver lasting, sustainable outcomes.
During the meeting, Chairman Mustafe Dayib Cabdillaahi stressed the critical importance of recognizing young people as essential partners in the planning, decision-making, and implementation of development programs. He further emphasized that youth-targeted interventions must be genuinely responsive to the real needs and aspirations of Somaliland’s younger generation.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding on the value of sustained dialogue and further exploration of joint opportunities between SONYO Umbrella and TAG, with the shared goal of supporting effective programs and initiatives that drive the holistic development of youth in Somaliland.
