The Somali Solution

There are several conferences this year to discuss different aspects of the situation in Somalia. I’m pleased to see Somalia is on everybody’s lips; however I’m more pleased when people are happy to discuss the humanitarian agenda, instead of the political one.

The Humanitarian Forum is holding a very important humanitarian conference on Monday 20th February in London. This is ahead of the intergovernmental political meeting also held in London, three days later on 23rd February.  Following that, there will be two more conferences: one in Istanbul and one in Abu Dhabi.

I would like to stress that our conference is purely humanitarian and is based on the belief that Somali voices need to be heard. We, as a humanitarian community, believe that the most effective, sustainable and economical solution is the Somali solution. If we give Somalis a voice, empower them and allow them to draw from their wealth of knowledge in the area, the social fabric of fragmented communities can be strengthened.

Thank you everybody and I will tell you my impressions after the meeting. Please don’t forget to tweet using #AskUN on the day!