Baidoa, Somalia – August 6, 2025 — The Country Humanitarian Forum 2025 (CHF-2025), a landmark event organized by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) in collaboration with the South West State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, successfully concluded in Baidoa, the interim capital of South West State.

The multi-stakeholder gathering convened key figures from federal and regional governments, international organizations, donor agencies, business communities, the Somali diaspora, and civil society.

Discussions centered on pressing humanitarian challenges, including the impacts of prolonged drought, widespread displacement, and the growing threats posed by climate change. Participants also highlighted the consequences of declining international aid and the need for greater local ownership in addressing crises.

A major theme throughout the forum was the shift towards Somali-led humanitarian planning and response. Participants echoed a growing consensus that dependency on external aid is no longer a viable long-term solution. Instead, emphasis was placed on strengthening local institutions and community resilience, with Somali businesses, diaspora members, and grassroots organizations seen as key actors in future humanitarian strategies.

The Speaker of the South West State Parliament, Mr. Ali Said Fiqi, closed the forum with a message of gratitude and optimism. He commended all attendees for their engagement, stating that the forum had generated “valuable insights into critical humanitarian issues” and stressed that “Somalia must look inward and invest in its own capacity to lead.”

In his remarks, SoDMA Commissioner Mr. Mahamud Moallim extended appreciation to the leadership of South West State, including President Abdiaziz Lafta-gareen, Speaker Fiqi, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Mr. Abdinasir Abdi Arush. He praised their support and the collaborative spirit that defined the forum, noting that CHF-2025 had produced “key outcomes that will guide future responses to humanitarian needs.”

The event marks an important step toward a more self-reliant and locally driven humanitarian framework in Somalia. With continued collaboration among stakeholders, CHF-2025 is expected to inspire practical follow-up actions and policy changes that empower Somali communities to face future challenges with greater strength and autonomy.