On 29 December 2024, a two-day consultation meeting was organized to discuss the implementation and coordination framework of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy. The meeting brought together Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), disability representatives from the Banadir Region, the National Disability Agency (NDA) commissioners and staff, and other relevant stakeholders.
The consultation focused on strengthening coordination, defining the roles and responsibilities of key disability actors, and developing practical approaches for the effective implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
Participants made key recommendations emphasizing the importance of joint work, partnership, and coordinated leadership among disability stakeholders. The meeting agreed on the following roles and coordination responsibilities:
- Organizations of Persons with Disabilities OPDs the will play a leading role at the civil society level by supporting community engagement, advocacy, awareness raising, monitoring disability inclusion commitments, and contributing to the implementation of disability programs. SDN, as the largest OPD network in Somalia, will support coordination, collaboration, and joint efforts among OPDs to strengthen collective action.
- Banadir Region Local Authority Disability Directorate Office e will lead coordination and implementation efforts at the Banadir Region level, working closely with local authorities, OPDs, communities, and service providers to ensure disability inclusion within regional programs and services.
- National Disability Agency NDAÂ will provide leadership and coordination at the federal level, including collaboration with Federal Member States, government institutions, development partners, and disability stakeholders to guide the overall implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
Key Speech in the meeting
Mr. Abdullahi Muse, Director of Disability Affairs at the Banadir Regional Administration, thanked all participants and appreciated the consultation meeting on the implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
He highlighted the readiness of the Banadir Regional Administration to support the implementation of the strategy at the regional level. He noted that the Disability Affairs Directorate works with disability representatives across the districts of Banadir Region, including Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, to strengthen coordination and ensure disability inclusion in local governance and services.
Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Jama, Chairperson of the National Disability Agency (NDA) Somalia, thanked all participants for accepting the invitation and appreciated their active participation in the consultation meeting on the implementation of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
He emphasized that the NDA will take the lead in coordinating the implementation of the strategy in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development. He highlighted that Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) are key partners and a priority in ensuring the successful implementation of disability inclusion initiatives.
Mr. Mohamed also appreciated the important role of the Banadir Regional Administration Disability Affairs Directorate and recognized the support and contribution of the international community and development partners who will assist in implementing the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
Conclusion
The meeting highlighted that successful implementation of the strategy requires a coordinated approach, with clear roles among OPDs, local authorities, and national institutions. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote the rights, participation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities throughout Somalia.
