External Kick-Off for Phase 4- Leave No One Behind! in Somalia and Somaliland

The Phase 4 – Leave No One Behind! project kick-off events took place on 30^th June 2025 in Mogadishu and on 24^th July 2025 in Hargeisa. Organized by HI in collaboration with partners, these events marked the beginning of a new phase in Somalia and Somaliland. Building on lessons from Phase 3, Phase 4 shifts the focus from mainstreaming disability inclusion to strengthening inclusive coordination, advancing localization, and promoting the practical use of tools such as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines, case studies, and other technical resources.

The primary objective of the kick-off events was to establish mutual understanding among key stakeholders, clarify roles and contributions, and foster long-term partnerships built on transparency and collaboration. There was a special emphasis on mobilizing WASH actors to actively participate in rolling out the newly developed Inclusive WASH (IWASH) package and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all WASH responses.

The events welcomed key players from the humanitarian sector, including the Ministry of Water Resources and Development; the WASH Cluster lead and co-lead agencies: Alight, PAH, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children, WHH, as well as national actors such as Wardi, Taakulo, Candlelight, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).

The kick-off events for LNOB Phase 4 in Mogadishu and Hargeisa were a pivotal moment in promoting inclusive humanitarian action in Somalia and Somaliland. Stakeholders gained a comprehensive understanding of the project’s revised objectives and implementation approach. Through open dialogue and collaborative discussions, a strong consensus emerged on the urgent need to advance disability inclusion across all sectors of the humanitarian response.

Key partners have expressed their commitment to actively disseminating and adopting the Inclusive WASH (IWASH) package alongside other critical tools, guidelines, and case studies developed under the project. These resources are designed to ensure that the voices and needs of persons with disabilities are recognized and prioritized in humanitarian planning and delivery.

Importantly, the events established a solid foundation for strengthened alliances, inclusive coordination mechanisms, and joint actions led by humanitarian actors and OPDs.  These efforts will collectively drive more responsive, accountable, and inclusive humanitarian outcomes.

Abdulahi Ahamed, WASH Cluster Coordinator from the Ministry of Water, Resource, and Development in Hargeisa, emphasized the importance of disability inclusion in the sector:

“Disability inclusion has always been a challenge in our programming, and we have consistently sought guidance and support in this area. While the WASH sector is rich with policies, guidelines, and national regulations, there has long been a noticeable gap when it comes to inclusion. I sincerely appreciate that this opportunity comes at a time when it is most needed. I call on all WASH actors to take a stand against exclusion and actively adopt the IWASH package in their programming. Let’s transform this into action and ensure no one is left behind.”

Text by Amal Abdillahi Abdi, Hargeisa-Somaliland