VISION
The attainment of peaceful, prosperous, democratic Somaliland.
Somaliland Forum Mission Statement
Somaliland Forum is a non-partisan think-tank, which supports the
withdrawal of Somaliland from the illegal union with Somalia.
The main goal of the Forum is to contribute and to work towards
the socio-economic development of Somaliland. The Forum is also
aiming the realization of political recognition for Somaliland.
The Forum also provides a platform to the Somalilanders, primarily in
the Diaspora, to engage in healthy dialogue and to, through position
papers and communiqués, positively influence the policies that affect Somaliland.
Additionally, the role of the Forum is to facilitate networking among
professionals and enhance the cohesiveness of the diaspora. Through
pooling the experience and resources of its members, the Forum participates and contributes, financially and socially to the rebuilding of Somaliland.
CORE VALUES
RESPECT
The Forum encourages mutual respect among its members, engages and
nurtures healthy and positive debate, which contributes to exchange of ideas
that advance understanding of each other, the development of Somaliland,
the individual growth of its members and for the common good of human
mankind. The Forum forbids attacks that are personnel, mock or denigrate a
member/tribe; that incites and patronizes tribalism and divisiveness. At the
same time, the Forum subscribes and encourages individuality, tolerance and
diversity of opinion.
COHESION
The Forum fosters cohesiveness, teamwork, understanding, trust,
professionalism and integrity.
NEUTRALITY
We believe in contributing to Somaliland’s national political
discourse in a neutral and objective manner, always keeping the collective interest
of the people of Somaliland. Furthermore, the Forum remains impartial in
party politics, and is committed in advancing policies and practices which strengthen the above
principles, and oppose any steps that may detract from these principles.
SELF-DETERMINATION
The Forum recognizes self-determination as a basic political and human rights principal as it is enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Therefore, the Forum recognizes the declaration in Burco on 18 May 1991, which proclaimed the withdrawal of Somaliland from the Union of Somali Republic (former British Somaliland Protectorate and the former Italian Somalia) as a legitimate reinstatement of Somaliland’s independence and Sovereignty.
JUSTICE/EQUALITY/FAIRNESS
The Forum advocates justice for all: the rule of law, due process and equity in sharing the burden, opportunity, political representation and the economic benefit. The Forum advances peaceful co-existence without coercion among its people, regions, neighbors and the international community.
EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY
The Forum supports, cooperation with grassroots organizations and local community initiatives that enhance local economic opportunities, social and sustainable development.
STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
- To promote, publicize and advance the historical sovereignty of
Somaliland. - To work collectively towards assisting and promoting democratic, social,
educational and economic development.
To assist the government and its institutions in researching,
formulating and implementing of policies, programs and projects that benefit the
public. - To encourage the exchange of information and ideas among Forum
members and the public in Somaliland at large. - To transform the S/L Diaspora into a closely-knit community with a
sense of belonging and sharing. - To facilitate networking among Somaliland professionals.
- To identify, tap and match the know-how and the experience of its
members to the needs of the country. - To plan, participate, implement and assist financially and
technically worthy causes, projects and programs. - To support and enhance good governance, fair and free elections,
democratic principles, transparency, accountability, peace, stability,
free-market economy, human rights, freedom of expression, separation of powers
and other universally accepted norms. - To educate, outreach and campaign against the social ills and habits
that negatively impact on the health and development of our society. - To form strategic alliance with grassroots organizations, other
Diaspora organizations and associations of similar goals and objectives. - To encourage all Somaliland citizens to exercise their rights without fear and prejudice and to fully participate the democratic process, the political and the development of their local communities.
- To encourage the protection of the environment and its resources by advocating and highlighting the long term benefits of environmentally sound programs and policies and by annunciating the consequences of environmentally unfriendly policies.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
A. DEFINITIONS
- “Excutive Committee”, unless otherwise specified, is the five-member Somaliland Forum Committee
- Term of one year is defined as May 1 of the current year to April 30 of the succeeding year, unless otherwise changed membership.
- “Forum”, unless otherwise specified, refers to the Somaliland Forum.
- “Majority of the Forum” is defined as the majority of the population who rendered their votes on an issue. For example, if 10 people voted “yes” on an issue and 11 voted “no”, then the majority of the Forum voted “no”. This definition can be modified on a case by case basis. (This definition stems from past voting trends, but may be amended at any time by the Committee).
- “Member(s)”, unless otherwise specified, refers to Forum members in general.
- A “Member in Good Standing” is one who has paid his/her membership fee consistently for two years or for the past year if he/she has been a member for less than a year, and has no conviction of violations of forum rules for two consecutive years or for the entire duration of his/her membership if less than two years.
B. Forum Executive Committee
Roles and responsibilities of the Executive Committee are:
- Provide continuity for the organization by setting up mechanisms to
support the bylaws and vision and values, and to represent the
organization’s point of view through interpretation of its products and services, and advocacy for them. - Select and appoint working committees to whom responsibility
for the implementation of programs/tasks to support the mission and vision
is delegated, including:
- To review and evaluate their performance regularly on the basis
of a specific job description, including committee/task relations with
the executive committee and members, in program planning and
implementation, and in management of the organization and its programs
To offer administrative guidance and determine whether to retain
or dismiss the committee or taskforce. - To govern the Forum by mission, vision and objectives, formulated
and agreed upon by the members, including assigning priorities and
ensuring forum’s capacity to carry out programs by continually reviewing its work. - To acquire sufficient resources for the organization’s operations
and to ensure that products and services are financed adequately. - To account to the members for the products and services of the
organization and expenditures of its funds, including:
- To provide for fiscal accountability, approve the budget, and
formulate policies related to contracts and service purchases. - To accept responsibility for all conditions and policies attached
to new, innovative, or experimental programs.