This new paper argues that Somalia's chronic instability and the pervasive threat posed by violent extremists should be addressed through a comprehensive approach to managing the politics of security. This includes implementing a common Somali vision of federal and state level security institutions that are shared, trusted, and capable. It also calls for attention to issues of injustice, impunity, and corruption with the Sustainable Development Goals - particularly SDG16 on peaceful, just, and inclusive societies - acting as concrete guideposts around which action could coalesce. 

In the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, the international community has recognized that fostering inclusive societies based on strong and transparent institutions is an indispensible requirement for sustainable development. To explore further collective action in addressing issues of participation and inclusion, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will hold a Special Meeting at UN Headquarters in May 2018 entitled Towards Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Societies through Participation of All.

In preparation for this Special Meeting, CIC Senior Fellow David Steven gave a speech on "Knowledge for Social, Economic and Political Inclusion", highlighting the centrality of Inclusion in the 2030 agenda and the Pathfinders program. Read the full speech here.