The Republic of Somaliland’s Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development, under the leadership of Minister Hon. Hassan Ahmed Duale (Hassan Macalin), held a pivotal meeting today in Hargeisa with representatives from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and UN-Habitat. The discussions centered on a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen local governance and urban development across Somaliland.
Joined by the Ministry’s Director General Mr. Ali Ige Mohamoud and key department heads, Minister Duale outlined plans for a collaborative program designed to work closely with local governments to address pressing urban challenges, including infrastructure, service delivery, and sustainable growth. The initiative, led by the Ministry, aims to foster innovation and resilience in Somaliland’s municipalities.
The SDC delegation reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting inclusive development, while UNDP and UN-Habitat pledged technical expertise to ensure the program’s success. All parties reached a consensus to jointly develop the project’s framework, with a focus on creating scalable solutions tailored to Somaliland’s unique needs.
“This partnership will empower our local authorities to deliver transformative change,” Minister Duale stated. “We are eager to move forward with this ambitious vision.”
A working group comprising representatives from all stakeholders will be established to finalize the program’s design, with further announcements expected in the near future. The initiative is poised to enhance Somaliland’s urban landscape and serve as a model for regional cooperation.