By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – Somalia and Kenya on Tuesday jointly launched a major international forum focused on sustainable urban development and housing solutions for communities living in fragile and conflict-affected environments. The high-level gathering brought together global institutions, development partners, and senior government officials from across Africa to address one of the region’s most pressing humanitarian and urban challenges.
The conference, officially titled the Cities and Towns Learning Academy – Deep Dive on Sustainable Human Settlements in FCV (Fragile, Conflict, and Violence) Contexts, was inaugurated by Somalia’s Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing, Dr. Elmi Mohamud Nur, alongside Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Housing, Alice Wahome.
Organised by the World Bank, UN-Habitat, and UNHCR, the forum seeks to foster coordinated and practical responses to housing shortages, rapid urbanisation, and the growing displacement crisis affecting millions across the Horn of Africa and beyond.
High-ranking representatives from the organising UN and World Bank agencies, international specialists in urban planning, and officials from six African countries took part in the opening session. Local leaders—including the mayors of Bosaso and Baidoa, as well as a senior minister from Puntland—also attended, highlighting both national and regional ownership of the initiative.
The multi-day discussions focus on enhancing collaboration in key areas such as refugee and IDP resettlement, urban infrastructure development, social service delivery, and durable housing solutions. Participants are also examining long-term strategies for environmental management, housing finance, and legal frameworks needed to support displaced populations and build resilient cities.
Somali officials emphasised that the forum comes at a critical moment. The country continues to grapple with the needs of hundreds of thousands of people uprooted by conflict, insecurity, and climate-related shocks. Many remain in overcrowded settlements with limited access to shelter, water, sanitation, and other essential services.
Authorities say the new partnership platform will help Somalia and other fragile states design sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking urban models capable of absorbing rapid population growth while safeguarding vulnerable communities.
