One Voice
Representing member organisations at every level — local, regional, and national — ensuring the Somali diaspora is heard where it matters.
Midowga Jaaliyada Soomaaliyeed Belgium
Uniting Somali voices across Belgium.
ISOBEL is the collective voice of Somali organisations — working together for a stronger, more connected community in Belgium.
● Active all across Belgium — every region, one community
3Regions active
6+Active projects
1Unified mission
What we stand on
One voice, one community, one mission.
One Community
From cultural events to civic engagement, fostering unity, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging across Belgium's Somali communities.
One Mission
Supporting the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of Somali families in Belgium — today and for generations to come.
Founded onUnity, accountability, and service to the community
Who we are
Our story
ISOBEL — the Union of Somali Diaspora Communities in Belgium — brings together member organisations under a shared governance structure, providing coordination, advocacy, and strategic leadership for the Somali community in Belgium.
Founded on the principles of unity, accountability, and service, ISOBEL acts as both a representative body and a practical support network — connecting community organisations with each other and with Belgian institutions, authorities, and civil society.
Our leadership is governed by an elected body including a Chairman and Vice Chairman, supported by a council of representatives from member organisations. Decision-making is collective, transparent, and rooted in accountability to the communities we serve.
Get involvedActive projects
What's happening right now, across Belgium.
Football Competition
Community-wide football tournaments bringing Somali clubs together across Belgium's regions.
Youth Cooking Competition
A hands-on cooking competition for young people, celebrating Somali cuisine and teamwork.
Somalis in Belgium 2035
Exchanging ideas and shaping a shared vision for the future of the Somali community in Belgium.
Eid Celebration
Community-wide Eid celebrations bringing Somali families together across Belgium.
Somali National Day Celebration
Celebrating Somali national day together, honouring heritage and identity as a community.
Somali Language School
Teaching the Somali language to children growing up in Belgium, keeping the mother tongue alive.
Purpose
What we do, every day.
Spanning advocacy, community development, cultural programming, and civic engagement across Belgium.
Community Representation & Advocacy
Representing Somali diaspora communities in meetings with Belgian federal and regional authorities, local governments, and civic institutions.
Member Organisation Coordination
Facilitating regular meetings between affiliated organisations — aligning on shared priorities and collaborating on joint initiatives.
Cultural Events & Celebrations
Supporting Eid celebrations, national day commemorations, and community gatherings that bring Somali families together across Belgium.
Youth & Sports Initiatives
Supporting youth sports including football tournaments through affiliated clubs — giving young people belonging, structure, and healthy competition.
Social Welfare Support
Connecting community members with guidance and support networks on housing, employment, language, and administration.
Dialogue & Peacebuilding
Facilitating dialogue between Somali diaspora organisations — resolving disputes, building consensus, and maintaining unity.
Collaboration
Working closely with trusted partners
We collaborate with humanitarian and care organisations to support Somali people in refugee and reception centres across Belgium — including translation and interpretation.
Working together on community support and humanitarian assistance across Belgium.
Supporting Somali people in reception centres, coordinating on community needs and welfare.
Providing translation and interpretation for Somali people accessing psychological support, alongside other regional psychology centres.
Our reach
ISOBEL in numbers
Not standalone figures, but the result of sustained coordination and long-term collaboration across our member organisations.
3Regions active
6+Active projects
1Unified mission
Values
What we stand for
Unity
A connected community is a strong community.
Representation
Every voice deserves to be heard at every level.
Accountability
Highest standards of transparency in all we do.
Dignity
Respect for every person, regardless of background.
Progress
Creating lasting change for future generations.
Community voices
What member organisations say
"ISOBEL gives us a seat at the table with Belgian institutions we could never reach alone."
Member organisationBrussels region
"The coordination between organisations has never been this transparent or this consistent."
Member organisationAntwerp region
"Our youth football programme grew because ISOBEL connected us with clubs across the country."
Member organisationGhent region
Want to get involved?
Whether you represent a Somali organisation or simply want to connect — we welcome you.
Connect with ISOBEL