Borama, Somaliland – October 6, 2024

The Association of Local Governments of Somaliland (ALGASL), in partnership with VNG International through the DANWADAAG project, successfully hosted its annual conference in Borama, with a focus on Disaster Risk Management (DRM). The event, held at Hotel Safari, brought together local government leaders, disaster management experts, and stakeholders to discuss critical issues surrounding disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.

Opening Remarks and Welcome

The conference was officially opened by Mayor Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge, Chairman of ALGASL, who emphasized the vital role of local governments in disaster preparedness and risk prevention. In his speech, Mayor Mooge stressed that the increasing impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods, demand urgent action at the local government level to mitigate risks and protect communities.

Attendees were also warmly welcomed by the Mayor of Borama and the Governor of Awdal, both of whom highlighted the significance of Borama as a strategic location for such discussions, given the region's vulnerability to climate-related challenges. Their opening remarks set the stage for productive discussions on how to better equip local governments to manage disaster risks effectively.

Keynote Speakers and Focus Areas

Prominent speakers included ALGASL Director Khalid Abdirahman, a VNG International representative, and the Mayor of Gabiley, who underscored the importance of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in the face of climate change. The discussions emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between local governments, civil society, and international partners to build climate resilience at the community level.

Key topics addressed during the conference included:

• Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening local government capacity to respond quickly and effectively to climate-related disasters.

• Risk Prevention and Mitigation: Identifying strategies to reduce the impact of disasters, with a particular focus on prevention rather than reaction.

• Urbanization and DRM: Managing disaster risks in rapidly urbanizing areas, ensuring sustainable growth, and protecting vulnerable populations.

The conference also included discussions on climate adaptation strategies and the role of local governments in integrating DRM into urban planning and development.

A Platform for Knowledge Exchange

This annual conference provided a valuable platform for local government leaders, experts, and participants to exchange knowledge, strategies, and best practices in managing climate-related disasters. The event highlighted the importance of collaborative action in addressing the challenges posed by climate change in Somaliland, particularly with the region’s rapid urbanization and increasing vulnerability to environmental risks.

The event underscored the necessity for local authorities to lead efforts in disaster risk reduction, with the support of national and international partners. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, the conference aimed to equip local leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to strengthen climate resilience and disaster preparedness across the country.

The discussions and insights from the Borama conference will serve as a foundation for ALGASL and its partners to continue their work in enhancing local government capacity for disaster risk management. The collaboration between ALGASL and VNG International, through the DANWADAAG project, will continue to support local governments in addressing climate change and improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

As Somaliland faces increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and climate-related threats, the importance of local governments in managing and mitigating these risks is more crucial than ever. This conference served as a vital step toward ensuring that Somaliland’s local governments are equipped to face these challenges and safeguard the well-being of their communities.

Amani Yusuf Yonis

Communication Officer

Association of Local Government Authorities of Somaliland (ALGASL)