Urban-Rural Development Unit for Neutrality (URDUN) is an independent, indigenous, non-governmental, and non-profit organization established on January 22, 2010. Founded by a diverse group of Somali professionals, including individuals from marginalized and minority communities, URDUN is certified by Somalia’s Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation (MOIFAR). The organization is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and community empowerment through sustainable, community-driven solutions that address the complex humanitarian challenges facing Somalia.

URDUN adhered general humanitarian Principles including;

Humanity: We are guided by the principle of alleviating human suffering and protecting human dignity.

Impartiality: We provide aid based solely on need, without discrimination or bias.

Neutrality: We do not take sides in hostilities or engage in political controversies.

Independence: We maintain autonomy from political, military, or other external influences to ensure the integrity of our humanitarian mission.

As a women-led organization, URDUN prioritizes the empowerment of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. In particular, the organization focuses on the specific needs of pregnant and lactating women, children, and other marginalized communities. URDUN’s programs are designed to foster resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable development, promoting inclusive socio-economic opportunities that reduce vulnerabilities and enhance livelihoods. Through its holistic, community-centered approach, URDUN ensures that interventions are locally owned, accountable, and contribute to long-term solutions to systemic inequalities.

URDUN collaborates with a wide range of partners, including UN agencies, international and national NGOs, diaspora communities, and donors, to enhance the effectiveness and reach of its initiatives. The organization empowers marginalized and Minority groups, particularly women and youth, to play active roles in building resilient, equitable, and self-sustaining communities. By fostering inclusive participation and promoting local ownership, URDUN strengthens the social fabric of Somalia, addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development goals.

Operating across Somalia’s urban, rural, riverine, and coastal regions by spanning Northern, Southern, and Central Somalia, URDUN works within the federal and state-level entities of Banadir Administration, South West, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Jubaland, Puntland, SSC Khatumo, and Somaliland. By closely collaborating with governmental frameworks, URDUN ensures that its interventions are timely, contextually relevant, and responsive to the unique needs of the populations it serves.

URDUN’s approach is grounded in humanitarian principles, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. The organization adheres to international best practices, ensuring that its programs are both effective and ethically sound.

Through a comprehensive, rights-based framework, URDUN addresses pressing challenges across various sectors, including, but not limited to, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH); Health and Nutrition; Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL); standalone Agricultural Programs; Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA); Inclusive Education; Capacity Building; Youth, Young Girls, and Women’s Economic Empowerment; Shelter and Housing Solutions; Human Rights Advocacy; Support Programs for Widows and Orphans; Protection and Safeguarding (including Child Rights and Protection, Rights for Persons with Disabilities, and Minority Community Rights); Gender-Based Violence (GBV); Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) with a focus on Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA); Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC); Environmental Sustainability; and Climate Adaptation and good governance,Peace building and Security Programs.