BACKGROUND & RATIONALE
Somalia continues to grapple with complex and overlapping humanitarian crises, including recurrent drought, large-scale displacement, and persistent funding shortfalls. While ongoing reforms aim to strengthen the humanitarian system, significant gaps remain in coordination, resource mobilization, and the localization of aid.
There is a growing recognition of the need for a more Somali-led approach to humanitarian action, one that centers local priorities, capabilities, and leadership. Although the humanitarian compact is yet to be formally adopted, momentum is building toward a process that reflects Somali ownership and inclusive partnership.
The August 2025 Country Humanitarian Forum (CHF) in Baidoa presents a timely and strategic opportunity to convene humanitarian actors, government representatives, donors, and civil society to:
BACKGROUND & RATIONALE
- Reflect on the current humanitarian situation, evolving needs and gaps.
- Examine progress and gaps related to compact commitments and funding sources.
- Rethink the humanitarian model through a lens of resilience, inclusivity, and local leadership.
This Forum is purposefully designed to break from previous formats, emphasizing participatory dialogue over formal presentations and placing Somali voices and leadership at the center of the agenda.
OBJECTIVE
- Provide a shared update on the humanitarian context, including drought impact and displacement trends.
- Facilitate open, solution-oriented dialogue on funding challenges,
coordination, and progress toward compact-related commitments.
- Elevate the role of Somali actors, especially Government, National and local NGOs, civil society, and the private sector, in shaping humanitarian responses.
- Define actionable, Somali-led steps to improve coordination and deliver more localized, inclusive, and effective humanitarian assistance.
EXPECTE OUTCOMES
- Shared understanding of current humanitarian
- Enhanced dialogue on funding and coordination
- Elevated Somali-led humanitarian and disaster management
- Actionable steps towards localized and inclusive humanitarian Documented way forward.
PARTICIPANTS
- Government Bodies: SoDMA, MOHADM from FMS, BRA and Relevant Federal and State-Level Line Ministries.
- Diplomatic Representatives: Ambassadors From Partner Countries.
- UN Representatives: DSRSG/RC/HC and Heads of UN Agencies and Programmes.
- NGOs: Heads of International and Local NGOs.
- Chamber of Commerce: Representatives from Chamber of Commerce
- Civil Society: Representatives From Civil Society Organizations
- Global Diaspora Community: Representatives From Global Diaspora Community.
