In this historically important day that we Somalilanders where ever we are commemorating the 23rd Anniversary of Dhgax Tuur (Throwing Stones) day 20th February 2005, on behalf of SSE Executive Committee and members I am pleased to announce an International Conference and Grand Exhibition to be organised by Somaliland Societies in Europe (SSE). The Conference and the Grand Exhibition will be held in London in the 1st week of September 2005.

This International Conference is unique and the first of its kind to be held outside Somaliland at an international level. It is intended to raise the profile of the Somaliland Communities in Europe and Somaliland and to discuss the role the Diaspora play and could play in the Development of Somaliland. The strategic aims of the conference include:

1. To demonstrate the success story of Somaliland and the long overdue dividend of Peace in Somaliland i.e. recognition: Somaliland deserves Noble Peace Prize and not only recognition
2. To explore the role Diaspora play and could play in the Development of Somaliland.
3. To raise the profile of the Somaliland Communities in Europe and the role of SSE.

1st - 3rd Sept International Conference on Somaliland & Somaliland Communities in Europe

1st - 7th Sept Grand Exhibition by Somaliland Organisations & Communities in Europe and Somaliland

4th Sept SSE Business – AGM

Against all odds Somaliland and its people have successful managed to overcome the destruction carried out by the military dictatorship. Now Somaliland is a country of peace, freedom, equality and enterprise. As far as 15th August 2000 The Financial Times reported, “ It (Somaliland) could serve as a model for Africa: peaceful, stable, little crime, no debt, a liberal economic regime as of this month, a multi-part electoral system”.
SSE is primarily a network organisation and its vision is “to bring together and utilise the skills and resources of its members, Somaliland organisations and communities in Europe”.

SSE’s Strategic Objectives include:

1. To promote the development and empowerment of Somaliland communities in the widest terms and improve the quality of life for all Somalilanders inclusively;
2. To promote recording and documenting, understanding and respect for the history of Somaliland and its people and institutions;
3. To develop and expand the range and quality of skills of all Somalilanders, particularly with respect to the changes which are taking place in the employment opportunities available;
4. To aim to overcome any physical, social, religious and cultural barriers that may restrict access to education, training, employment and enterprise opportunities;
5. To identify and promote opportunities for education, training, employment and enterprise;
6. To expand participation in, social. recreational, leisure, sports and educational activities through the development of existing facilities and additional provisions;
7. To encourage all Somalilanders to take social and economic responsibility for their well-being;
8. To facilitate and help the integration of Somaliland communities into the wider communities in each European country;
9. To encourage Somalilanders to speak up for themselves, identify their needs and suggest action priorities and promote and develop working partnerships and strategic alliance between all those institutions, agencies and organisations interested in the Somaliland communities in order to co- ordinate action and pool resources and to gain access to resources at local, national and European level;
10. To promote and facilitate the involvement of all interested parties, particularly civic representatives, agencies, and voluntary organisations, in the initiation, consultation, design, implementation and management of development and regeneration projects at local, national and European level;
11. To co-ordinate projects and initiatives of Somaliland communities and organisations and all interested parties so that the aspirations of Somalilanders are met inclusively;
12. To link and liaise with indigenous and International and Somaliland NGOs and Institutions and whenever and wherever possible work in partnership with them and transferring and sharing know-how, expertise and knowledge with them;
13. To carry out research studies and disseminate findings and good practices;
14. To promote, publicise and market the achievement of Somaliland, its people and institutions in the International Community
15. To lobby for more resources and development grants for Somaliland Communities in Europe and those in Somaliland.
16. To be vigilant about the on going Somaliland democratisation process and challenge any undemocratic obstruction and hindrance instigated by individual (s) and or groups in this democratisation process.

SSE is an umbrella organisation and is in its formative years. The idea to form SSE took place in 2001 in Holland (The Hague), but it was formalised and structured in 2003 again in Holland (Utrich).

Now it has members in all European Countries and the membership is open to all Somaliland Organisations and Communities in Europe. The SSE Website is under construction and will be on-line shortly Insha Allah.

The full programme and more details on the International Conference will be released in the near future: watch out and mark your diary – don’t miss it.

Eid Alisalan Ahmed
Chairman, SSE

Email:eid_consultancy@yahoo.co.uk