The Forum, organised by the European Union together with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Kingdom of Sweden, gathered representative from 58 countries and 6 international organisations. It brought together the Somali President Abdulahi Mohamed, High Representative Federica Mogherini and Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström.

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The conference aimed at raising awareness and support for Somalia, a country making progress in a number of critical areas despite extraordinary challenges.

"The European Union is leading the international partnership to strengthen Somalia's political, economic and security reform agenda. Today, I announced that the EU will provide additional €200 million to support Somalia's overall stabilisation to create a better future for its people. The stability and development of the country is also critical for the stability of the broader region and for Europe," High Representative/Vice-President of Federica Mogherini stated.

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Recent developments in the Horn of Africa and enhanced engagement between leaders of the region have created new opportunities for reconciliation, stability, cooperation and economic integration in Somalia. Despite progress, violent extremism, climate change, unregulated competition for power and resources, lack of justice and corruption pose a serious threat to the country. That is why the EU together with Somali authorities and key international partners, work together on ambitious reform programmes for the country.

Inclusive politics and security

The EU plays a significant role in supporting Somalia’s efforts to become a peaceful, stable and democratic country and to take progressive ownership over its own national security. In 2020, Somalia aims at holding a multi-party universal election and deliver legislation that will pave the way to holding a historic one-person-one-vote election. It does so, for instance by political parties registration and protecting inclusivity, particularly in terms of ensuring equal participation and representation of women, youth, minorities and disadvantage groups in decision-making.

Through the three EU security and defence missions based in Somalia: EUTM, EU Operation ATALANTA, and EUCAP Somalia, the EU is contributing to capacity building within the local security sector by providing training, advising, mentoring, as well as deterring and repressing acts of piracy. Also, the EU is an important partner of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which has enabled Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building with the focus on respect of human rights, protection of civilians, with particular attention to the rights of women as well as the protection of children, and prevention and countering of violent extremism.

Economic recovery

The EU helps Somalia develop a strong and sustainable economy through new policies and reforms, for instance the public sector reform as well as supporting a competitive private sector. There is a focus on improving livelihoods, generating employment, and encouraging inclusive growth. Special attention is paid to improving economic opportunities for women and young people, ensuring they have greater access to profitable, income-generating activities. Education is an extremely important component: education for children and youth is an investment in the future of the country; it also empowers Somali youth socially, economically and politically.

Resilience, recovery and humanitarian assistance

Droughts, floods, disease, and conflict have a great effect on Somalia and its people. There are around 5.4 million people in Somalia in need of humanitarian assistance, including 2.5 million who need immediate assistance to meet their basic daily food needs. There are also 2.6 million people internally displaced and in need of various forms of assistance and protection. Since 1994, the EU has supported humanitarian aid operations in this country, which has been struggling with internal conflict and natural disasters for decades. Only in 2017, the EU mobilised 119 million euro for the draught response, which allowed providing life-saving aid to Somalis in the regions hardest hit by the water and food shortages, as well as disease outbreaks.