A Roundtable Policy Discussion on Disaster Risk Management in Hargeisa and Burao
On October 19 and 22, ALGASL and VNG International organized and facilitated a roundtable policy discussion on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) for a total of 73 participants, 49 in Hargeisa and 24 in Burao. The event aimed to bring together key stakeholders to address the potential challenges posed by El Niño-induced rains in the region.
Somaliland faces a heightened risk of natural disasters, especially with the predictions of El Niño-induced rains. Recognizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of such events, VNG International under its DANWADAAG programme, gathered 73 (21 female) participants from various sectors. The participants represented local governments, relevant central government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the media. These included Hargeisa Municipality, Burao Municipality, the Association of Local Governments of Somaliland (ALGASL), the National Disaster Preparedness and Food Reserve (NADFOR), the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Energy Commission, electricity companies, cooking gas suppliers, and waste management companies.
Key discussions for the event focused on assessing the level of preparedness of local and central authorities on potential El Niño shocks, and to explore the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in disaster risk management. Similarly, the event aimed to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration among key DRM actors to enhance transparency and inclusivity in disaster risk management. The event also served to Commemorate International DRM Day, by raising awareness of the importance of disaster risk management and preparedness.
Discussions amongst participants identified areas for improvement. Local and central authorities committed to taking action to enhance their readiness for potential El Niño-induced shocks. Participants gained a clearer understanding of their roles and responsibilities in DRM. This clarity is expected to facilitate more effective collaboration and response in the face of disasters. The event also fostered a spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing among key DRM actors, setting the stage for more effective disaster risk management efforts in the future.
Commemorating International DRM Day served to raise awareness of the importance of disaster risk management and preparedness among the participants and the wider public.
The one-day roundtable policy discussion on disaster risk management in Hargeisa and Burao, each was a significant step towards improving Somaliland’s preparedness for potential El Niño-induced rains. It brought together key stakeholders, facilitated essential discussions, and laid the groundwork for more effective DRM efforts in the face of natural disasters. The event underscored the importance of collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity in disaster risk management, while also commemorating the global significance of International DRM Day. The lessons learned and commitments made during this event will undoubtedly contribute to a safer and more resilient Somaliland.
ALGASL and VNG International
02-Nov-2023
