Dubai: Piracy, terrorism and criminal activities originating in Somalia can only be addressed by creating a climate of security, engagement and empowerment that will encourage home grown businesses, international investment and alternative employment for Somalia’s young people.
That’s one of the key conclusions of the second high level meeting of public and private sector experts on Somalia brought together by DP World and knowledge partner the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA) in Dubai under the theme ‘Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Opportunities, Communities’ Engagement and Soft Diplomacy’. The expert panel was the second in a series that form part of DP World’s ongoing counter piracy efforts and Somalia capacity building.
A white paper following the discussion was released today in the run up to the fourth public-private Counter-Piracy Conference to be held in Dubai later this month under the theme ‘Securing State Recovery: Sustaining Momentum at Sea, Confronting Instability on Land’.
The paper highlights the pivotal role of public-private partnerships (PPP) and community engagement in countering instability, attracting investment and creating a sense of solidarity and belonging among Somali nationals.
DP World group ceo Mohammed Sharaf said: 
“Public-private partnerships are a way to develop economies and infrastructure. We have experience of PPP agreements around the world, particularly where governments are often seeking expertise as much as they are pursuing foreign direct investment.
“The question of who delivers such major projects was in large part answered by the presence in the panel discussion of Somalis of all ages and from all walks of life and their willingness to be involved in an initiative which aims to help Somalia move beyond piracy permanently and become once again a vibrant economy, an engaged community and a safe place to live and work.” [20/10/14]
