Garowe, Puntland, December 30, 2024: The Media Association of Puntland (MAP), incollaboration with Free Press Unlimited (FPU), held a two-day multistakeholderforum on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) from December 29-30, 2024.
This significant event brought together representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), government authorities, and media professionals to address critical environmental challenges and explore collaborative strategies to enhance Puntland’s resilience to disasters.
As part of the Danwadaag Initiative, the forum underscored the importance of DRM as a tool for strengthening government legitimacy and fostering closer ties between communities and the state. The Danwadaag Initiative seeks to build this trust by prioritizing the availability of information, inclusive policymaking, and responsive services.
Within this framework, MAP plays a vital role in implementing the fourth outcome of the initiative, which focuses on increasing the media’s contribution to disseminating relevant DRM information to all stakeholders. This ensures that vital knowledge reaches the right audiences, enabling informed decision-making and coordinated action during emergencies.
In his opening remarks, Mohamed Dahir, Chair of the Media Association of Puntland, welcomed participants and emphasized the forum’s objectives. He highlighted theurgent need for collaboration among all stakeholders, stating,
“This forum is a unique opportunity to bring together key stakeholders to address the pressing environmental challenges we face. Our goal is to foster collaboration, propose practical solutions, and ensure that diverse voices, especially those of women and youth, are included in shaping Puntland’s disaster risk management strategies.” His remarks set the tone for the forum, underscoring the need for cooperative approaches to disaster preparedness and response.
The discussions addressed key environmental issues, including recurring floods, persistent droughts, ongoing environmental degradation, and the risks posed by natural fires at petrol stations. A critical point of discussion centered on the budget allocation for social affairs in Puntland, which currently stands at 7%.
Participants emphasized the need for the Puntland authorities to increase this allocation significantly to address DRM and climate change effectively. They stressed that prioritizing these issues requires not just immediate actions but also strategic, long-term investments. Participants called for an increase in funding to support robust DRM initiatives, enhance community preparedness, and develop sustainable solutions to mitigate climate risks.
Amina Warsame, a representative from a local civil society organization, praised the forum’s inclusive and collaborative nature, stating, “This forum has been instrumental in bridging the gap between the government, media, and civil society.” It has given us a platform to voice our concerns and contribute to solutions that reflect the realities faced by our communities.” Her comments echoed the sentiments of many participants, who viewed the forum as an apivotal step in strengthening Puntland’s collective disaster response efforts.
The forum also complemented MAP’s earlier efforts, including the town hall meeting held on December 25, 2024. That event highlighted critical DRM issues and set the stage for the broader discussions held during this forum. Together, these initiatives reflect MAP’s commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and actionable outcomes in Puntland’s disaster risk management landscape.
Collaboration and inclusivity were central to the discussions, with participants emphasizing the importance of building robust partnerships between CSOs, government agencies, and media outlets to ensure the effective implementation of DRM strategies. The inclusion of diverse voices was another critical focus, with significant efforts made to ensure that women and youth were well represented in the discussions. Their perspectives added depth to the deliberations and underscored the importance of inclusive policies that address the needs of all segments of society.
As the forum concluded, there was a resounding call for sustained efforts to transform the discussions into tangible results. Participants urged Puntland authorities to prioritize DRM and climate change, both in terms of actions and budgetary support. Strengthening early warning systems, launching comprehensive public awareness campaigns, and crafting inclusive policies that address the needs of marginalized communities were highlighted as essential measures. Increasing the budget allocation for social affairs was seen as a crucial step toward achieving these objectives and ensuring that DRM becomes a cornerstone of Puntland’s development agenda.
The Garowe Multistakeholder Forum marks a significant milestone in Puntland’s ongoing efforts to address disaster risks and environmental challenges. It demonstrated the power of dialogue, collaboration, and inclusivity in tackling complex issues and set the stage for a more resilient future. Anchored in the broader objectives of the Danwadaag Initiative, the forum reaffirmed the critical role of media, government, and civil society in shaping a safer and more sustainable Puntland.
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