OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETING

The objectives of the conference were:

a) to elicit support from and engage the Somali business community in the proceedings of the SNRC, particularly the Mbagathi peace talks, at which they have been poorly represented.

b) to demonstrate to the assembled business leaders that their involvement and active contribution is essential to the process of rebuilding Somalia.

In light of prevailing conditions in the country, it is widely believed the business community can provide practical input by partnering with the government to not only develop economic and business policy, but also to provide input on such crucial matters as security, demobilization, disarmament and re-integration of militias.

Organizers and facilitators of the High-level Dialogue envisioned that the meeting should not be a one-time event, but part of a process leading to the re-establishment of a viable state. At the same time, the meeting constituted a first step in the development of an organized and enlightened business community prepared for the global challenges of the 21st century. As a long-term strategy to re-engage the business community, it was hoped that a "Contact Group" of businessmen would be formed to liaise and cooperate with the IGAD facilitation committee, international community representatives, and the government that will emerge out of the Mbgathi conference