Target Population: Civil society organizations, youth, and stakeholders involved in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and statebuilding.

Location: Puntland, Somalia.

Duration: June 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.

Donor / Partner: UNDP.

Primary Goal: Strengthen civil society participation in peacebuilding, reconciliation, statebuilding, and federalization processes while promoting youth engagement and social cohesion.

Rationale & Context

Implemented by ACRIF with support from UNDP, the project strengthened civil society organizations (CSOs) in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and statebuilding in Puntland. It combined capacity building, advocacy, youth engagement, cultural activities, a national forum, and media outreach to promote social cohesion and strengthen the role of civil society in peacebuilding processes.

Key Project Components

1. Civil Society Capacity Building

• Train CSO representatives in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and statebuilding.
• Strengthen civil society participation in relevant policy and governance processes.

2. Advocacy and Policy Engagement

• Conduct an advocacy workshop that produces a civil society communiqué in support of key policy initiatives.
• Organize a National Forum for stakeholder dialogue on federalism and reconciliation.

3. Youth and Social Cohesion Activities

• Conduct a youth sports competition to foster social cohesion.
• Conduct a cultural performance to promote reconciliation and unity.

4. Public Awareness

• Use television, radio, and social media to raise awareness of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion.

Expected Outcomes

• CSOs have strengthened capacity to contribute to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and statebuilding.
• Youth and communities are engaged through activities that promote social cohesion and reconciliation.
• Stakeholders have structured opportunities for dialogue on federalism, reconciliation, and related policy issues.