Khadar Mariano

Program Manager, Youth Volunteers for Development and Environment Conservation (YOVENCO)

Somaliland

Khadar Mariano is a program manager at YOVENCO, where he focuses on expanding representation and strengthening democratic governance to improve the socio-economic status of marginalized communities in Somaliland. His work includes founding Somaliland’s first national accountability-focused civil society network and leading six District Development Coordination Forums; he helped create space for dialogue between citizens and the government and encouraged more participatory decision-making. Through this work, over 30 civil society organizations were able to build stronger relationships with local authorities and grassroots groups, especially around more inclusive urban planning. Khadar brings people together across different groups and works as a coalition builder who knows how to bridge divides.