The Citizen Forums are a platform established by the Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC) in 2021, intending to bring together the Community of Puntland and leaders responsible for governance and decision-making. The Forum prioritizes serving the community and fostering constructive dialogue, accountability, and active public participation.
The Forum focuses on priority issues essential to community development, including overall development, healthcare, security, economic infrastructure, and holding public officials accountable. Through policy dialogues and consultative meetings, the Citizen Forums strengthen the relationship between citizens and leadership while enhancing transparency and good governance.
Among the notable and engaging experiences of the Forum is a well-organized public meeting that brought together the community of Galkacyo and the mayor of the district, where meaningful discussions were held with a focus on security, economic development, and the improvement of public services. In addition, the Forum hosted a session in which the Garowe Capital Development Committee presented their achievements, progress made, and their strategic direction for the near future.
The Citizen Forums have become an important platform for amplifying citizens’ voices, building public trust, and promoting collaborative efforts that contribute to sustainable development.