Locations
Focus Area
Transformative Governance
Transformative Governance
The Transformative Governance Portfolio supports Somalia’s efforts to build inclusive, accountable, and resilient institutions that advance democratic governance, peace, security, and the rule of law. Anchored in national priorities and aligned with international and regional standards, the portfolio focuses on strengthening policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks; enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of institutions at the federal, state, and local levels; and addressing corruption and the mismanagement of public resources to ensure responsive and equitable service delivery for all citizens.
Recognizing that constitution-making is a Somali-led and Somali-owned process, UNDP works closely with federal and state institutions, as well as other UN entities and partners, to support the adoption and implementation of a revised constitution and the harmonization of legislative frameworks across the Federal Government and Federal Member States. Particular emphasis is placed on promoting women’s rights and advancing the priorities articulated in the 2019 Women’s Charter. To deepen federalism and strengthen social cohesion, the portfolio also supports the implementation of the National Reconciliation Framework and Process, while empowering religious and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other marginalized groups to actively engage in conflict mapping, reconciliation, and peacebuilding initiatives across Somalia.
The portfolio further promotes inclusive and credible democratic processes by supporting federal, state, and local authorities, electoral management bodies, civil society organizations, and traditional and religious leaders in strengthening policy and legal frameworks for elections and political parties. Support is provided to enhance the capacities of electoral institutions and to promote the meaningful participation of women, youth, and minority groups in political processes. In parallel, efforts are directed toward safeguarding democratic space and supporting a free, independent, and responsible media sector.
In line with the accelerated implementation of the National Security Architecture and the Comprehensive Approach to Security, the portfolio supports the professionalization of security institutions and improvements in security sector governance, civilian oversight, and climate security. It promotes restorative and transformative approaches to justice that complement formal and traditional systems, while strengthening key institutions such as the Judicial Services Commission and the Human Rights Commission. Support is also provided to institutionalize alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and to enhance the role of women in the security and justice sectors, ensuring greater protection for vulnerable populations—including women, girls, IDPs, and persons with disabilities—from human rights violations and gender-based violence.
Through targeted peacebuilding interventions, the portfolio advances non-violent approaches to conflict resolution and the prevention of violent extremism. Working in line with Somalia’s National Tolerance and Dialogue Strategy, UNDP supports community-led dialogue, social healing, forgiveness, and the reintegration of former members and supporters of violent extremist groups. Particular emphasis is placed on empowering traditional peace brokers and bridge builders—including religious leaders, clan elders, women, and civil society actors—to foster reconciliation and strengthen community resilience. Support also extends to civil society organizations and independent media to enhance their contribution to peace, security, and the rule of law.
Through the Global Focal Points arrangement and partnerships across the UN system, the portfolio seeks to ensure that women, children, adolescents, youth, persons with disabilities, IDPs, and other marginalized groups actively participate in and benefit from reforms in governance, security, access to justice, and human rights. Overall, the Transformative Governance Portfolio contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5, 10, 16 and 17, while advancing UNDP’s signature solutions and supporting the outcomes of the United Nations Cooperation Framework for Somalia.
