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Burao: A Historic City and Cultural Hub in Somaliland Burao is a historic city and a vital cultural and economic hub in Somaliland, often called the "Heart of Africa." Once the capital of the British Somaliland Protectorate, Burao played a significant role in the unification of Somaliland and Italian Somaliland in 1960. Today, Burao is the second-largest city in Somaliland and the economic center of the Togdheer region, known for its thriving livestock industry and modern infrastructure. Its strategic location and rich resources make it a commercial hub in the Horn of Africa. Burao is home to an educated and dynamic population, actively contributing to peacebuilding, governance, and socio-economic development. Burao was crucial in the restoration of Somaliland’s independence, with the 1991 declaration of sovereignty made here. The city’s population is estimated at 700,000 and continues to grow due to its economic opportunities and stability. The locally elected district council, with 13 members, plays a vital role in governance and development. Burao has produced influential figures like Farah Omar, a renowned nationalist, and Sheikh Bashir, a key anti-colonial leader. A notable figure in peacebuilding is poet Salaan Carabay, who brokered peace between rival clans through his famous poem, "Toliimo Waa Dugsiye Dunida Jeedaasha," symbolizing the importance of kinship and dialogue in conflict resolution. With its rich history and commitment to progress, Burao remains a symbol of resilience, unity, and self-determination, continuing to contribute to Somaliland’s growth and peace
Vision: Our vision for Burao is to cultivate a thriving, peaceful, and prosperous city that exemplifies unity, resilience, and sustainable development. We aim to preserve Burao’s rich cultural heritage while embracing modernity and innovation. Our goal is to ensure Burao remains a beacon of peace, economic growth, and social harmony within Somaliland and the broader Horn of Africa, fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking environment. Mission: Our mission is to create a community where peace, respect, and collaboration lead to mutual progress. We are committed to empowering citizens, promoting education, and fostering partnerships that support socio-economic development, good governance, and human rights. We focus on sustainable development in key sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education, while prioritizing environmental protection and social stability. Through these efforts, we aim to build a brighter and more inclusive future for Burao and its residents.
Practical Goals and Objectives Promote Peace and Unity Goal: Strengthen community cohesion. Objective: Organize peacebuilding workshops. Enhance Governance Goal: Strengthen democratic processes. Objective: Empower citizens through education and participation. Foster Economic Growth Goal: Promote sustainable development. Objective: Support local businesses and new industries. Improve Infrastructure Goal: Upgrade Burao’s infrastructure. Objective: Develop plans for roads, energy, and sanitation. Promote Education Goal: Ensure quality education. Objective: Expand educational and vocational training. Support Sustainability Goal: Protect natural resources. Objective: Promote green initiatives and renewable energy. Strengthen Healthcare Goal: Improve healthcare access. Objective: Upgrade healthcare facilities. Cultural Preservation Goal: Protect cultural heritage. Objective: Celebrate Burao’s traditions.
HAWDO (Horn of Africa Welfare Development Organisation) partners with various organizations to achieve its development goals. Key partners include: Burao Municipality – Collaborates on urban management, infrastructure, and IDP support. Somaliland Ministries – Works with the Ministry of Information and Communication on e-governance and the Ministry of Interior on local governance. International NGOs – Partners with organizations focused on climate change and sustainable development. Local Businesses – Supports economic growth and job creation. Community Groups – Fosters volunteerism and social stability. These partnerships enable HAWDO to advance peace, governance, sustainability, and socio-economic development in Somaliland.
Abdulkadir Mohamoud Sugal Executive Director and Founder, Horn of Africa Welfare Development Organisation (HAWDO) Environmental and Climate Change Specialist , abdulkadir Abdulkadir Mohamoud Sugal is the Executive Director and Founder of HAWDO, a nonprofit focused on governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in Somaliland. He is an environmental and climate change specialist, working on addressing the region’s environmental challenges. Abdulkadir partners with the Burao Municipality on projects related to urban management, water resources, infrastructure, and IDP support. He leads initiatives for climate resilience, sustainability, and community engagement, aiming to make Burao and Somaliland models of development. Abdulkadir is committed to promoting sustainable practices, improving resource management, and advocating for Somaliland’s environmental progress.
Yes, I approve the guidelines for an International City of Peace and will provide four or more additional approved signatures of community Peace Team members (see next registration field). "A culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, traditions and modes of behavior and ways of life based on respect for life, ending of violence and promotion and practice of non-violence through education, dialogue and cooperation. Tenets include: Full respect for and promotion of all human rights and fundamental freedoms; Commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts; Efforts to meet the developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations; Respect for and promotion of the right to development; Respect for and promotion of equal rights and opportunities for women and men; Respect for and promotion of the right of everyone to freedom of expression, opinion and information; Adherence to the principles of freedom, justice, democracy, tolerance, solidarity, cooperation, pluralism, cultural diversity, dialogue and understanding at all levels of society and among nations; and fostered by an enabling national and international environment conducive to peace." In addition, the Golden Rule - "Do for others as you would have them do for you" -- provides a unity proposition for personal, local and global peace.
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