Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO), an umbrella body that the local non-governmental and non-profit organizations in Puntland recently established to stand for and represent all local non-governmental and non-profit organizations based in Puntland was inaugurated today in a highly decorated and participated ceremony held on December 6, 2023, in Garowe at the Martisoor Hotel’s Conference Hall. The ceremony was attended by more than 135 people, including delegates and members of the government, UN, international nongovernmental organizations, and other officials, as well as local nongovernmental organizations that have been part of the establishment of the Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO).
The ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Quran, followed by a welcoming and introductory speech delivered by Mr. Abdikhayr Mohamed Hussein, the Executive Director of Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO). Mr. Sharmake Ali (Hassan), Chairman of the Board of Directors, also delivered remarks provided a concise overview of the history and establishing process of Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO).
“The network was established by more than 49 nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations based in Puntland who come together and underlined the importance and the need of establishing a body that represents them. The establishment of a network for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Puntland aims to promote the growth and impact of the NGO sector in Puntland while working towards the enhancement of its performance through mandated representation and advocacy of common issues and interests concerning NGOs, capacity building, advocacy, resource mobilization, coordination, and partnerships among them.” Said Mr. Hussein, the Executive Director of Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO)
“The process of establishing Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO) was started in early 2023 through series meetings that come together by the majority of local nongovernmental organizations in Puntland that saw the need for a network that represents the nongovernmental organizations in Puntland to promote and advocate for their common interests.” Said Mr. Ali (Hassan), Chairman of the Board of Directors
“The establishment of Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO) was in line with the constitution, laws and policies of the government of Puntland. In particular to this network, it was established in line with Puntland NGO Act No. 3 that was enacted by the House of Puntland State Representatives on July 31, 2016 and signed into Presidential Act by the Puntland President on August 24, 2016. The formation of PUNTNGO and the process fully comply with the Act, especially its articles 16 and 18.” Said Mr. Ali (Hassan), Chairman of the Board of Directors
The government officials who participated in the inauguration ceremony and delivered their speeches included H.E. Abdullahi Mohamed Esse, the State Minister of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of Puntland, and Mr. Mohamed Ali Esse, the Director of Aid Coordination of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation of Puntland. The latter ministry is responsible for overseeing the management, licensing, and coordination of the nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations sector in Puntland, and they have been closely following the establishment of the Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO).
“The government of Puntland expresses its pleasure and recognition for this network established by local non-governmental organizations in Puntland. These organizations play a crucial role in providing valuable services to the people of Puntland. We will be ready and dedicated to collaborating with the Puntland NGO Network to collectively address the dire conditions faced by our communities, who are suffering from famine caused by droughts, natural disasters, and climate-related crises.” Said H.E. Abdullahi Mohamed Esse, the State Minister of Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management
We have been actively following up and encouraging the establishment of the Puntland NGO Network, recognizing its significance for the development and coordination of local nongovernmental organizations in Puntland. It can also enhance the effectiveness and impact of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) through a coordinated and workable mechanism to be able to actively contribute to the fulfillment of development aspirations and interests of people in the state of Puntland in Somalia.” Said Mr. Esse, Director of Aid Coordination of Ministry of Planning of Puntland
The participants who spoke at the ceremony also included Mr. Aidarus Daar, Director of Nexusom and board member of the Somalia NGO Consortium, and Mrs. Farhia Bilig, board member of the Midnimo Women Network, who delivered remarks that provided significant experience, ideas, and encouragement.
“The establishment of a network for the local organizations is something that should have been done earlier, but now is the moment, and I believe that the lack of a network has hampered the growth and development of Puntland’s local organizations. I hope that this network will cover the gap and continue to work on the growth, coordination, and strengthening of local organizations.” Said Mrs. Farhia Bilig, board member of Midnimo Women Network
“The establishment of a network that serves to represent and bring together local nonprofit organizations is something that provides me with a great deal of joy. I commend this initiative taken by the local organizations in Puntland and would like to welcome them with open hands. I believe that this kind of initiative is very vital for and would help facilitate the process of localizing aid given to Somalia. I will make it a priority to maintain contact with the network and provide them with my guidance, in addition to facilitating connections between them and possible funders or partners.” Mr. Daar, Director of Nexusom and board member of Somalia NGO Consortium
The ceremony concluded with excitement, enthusiasm, and tremendous gratitude for the establishment of the Puntland NGO Network, which will bring together all registered local non-governmental and non-profit organizations (NGOs) working in Puntland. In conclusion of the ceremony, the local organizations that have not yet been part of the network are urged to join by visiting the website to obtain further details on the membership procedure.
