At Geneva Peace Week, P4P hosted a delegation of representatives from Somalia to discuss the advancement of the National Reconciliation Framework, highlighting Somalia’s commitment to inclusive governance and long-term peace.

Amidst increasing violence and conflicts worldwide, Geneva Peace Week provided an important platform for global leaders, local stakeholders, and peacebuilding activists to advance critical conversations on making and sustaining peace. Principles for Peace (P4P) had the honor of hosting a delegation from Somalia, inviting them to participate in this discussion. The delegation included H.E. Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation (MOIFAR), Ali Yusuf Ali; Ms. Idil Mohamed, government official at MOIFAR; Mr. Mustafa Ataf, Director General of the Ministry of Interior, Local Governance and Reconciliation (MOILGR) in Southwest State; and Ms. Asha Dirie, a prominent civil society representative from Puntland. The delegation presented the advancement of the Somali National Reconciliation Framework (NRF), which integrated the Principles for Peace’s framework in January 2024, showcasing the country’s commitment to fostering a cohesive and inclusive governance structure. The diversity of the members of the delegation in favor of the NRF highlighted its focus on fostering ownership, collaboration, and cohesion across federal government, members states, local communities and international actors.

In this context, P4P co-hosted the high-level panel “Rebuilding Trust, Security, and Reconciliation: From Conflict to Cohesion,” in collaboration with DCAF – the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance to discuss the implementation of the NRF in Somalia. We also co-organised a breakfast with GCSP – the Geneva Centre for Security Policy – and partners from International Geneva, facilitating a deeper dialogue on Somalia’s peace objectives from an international perspective and underscoring the international community’s critical role in advancing Somalia’s peace aspirations.

A key theme throughout the week was that Somalia stands at a critical juncture: The NRF’s progress provides a foundation for long-term peace, grounded in trust, inclusivity, and accountable governance. However, sustaining this progress requires ongoing support – both locally and internationally. Somalia has made significant security gains, but it is now crucial to rebuild resilient governance structures that deliver tangible results to all Somalis, with a strong focus on reconciliation and institution-building. Of course, there has been majors challenge in maintaining international focus and investment in Somalia’s peace efforts, amid global crises. While urgent conflicts worldwide demand attention, Somalia’s peacebuilding represents an opportunity that must not be overlooked, with implications for both regional and global stability.

Geneva Peace Week reminded us of what is possible when peacebuilders, diplomats, and communities unite around a common goal. We extend our gratitude to all partners, panelists, and participants for their invaluable contributions.