Somali Diaspora Conference – Doha

The Somali Diaspora Conference recently took place in Doha, Qatar, from July 22 to July 24. The event was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Somalia, H.E. Mr. Hamza Abdi Barre, and attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, along with Qatari State Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi. The theme of the conference was Harnessing the Power of the Somali Diaspora for a Better and Prosperous Somalia.

Building Stronger Connections

H.E. Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed emphasized the conference’s goal: to tap into the diaspora’s expertise to strengthen connections between Somalis at home and abroad. He encouraged attendees to explore investment and collaboration opportunities, underlining the diaspora’s essential role in Somalia’s growth.

Balancing Diaspora and Local Talent

While the contributions of the diaspora are invaluable, it’s important to also nurture talent within Somalia. Ensuring opportunities for locals is key to avoiding tension between the diaspora and residents. By creating an inclusive environment where both local and diaspora talents can flourish, Somalia can achieve sustainable growth and unity.

Policy and Implementation

The Diaspora Affairs Department, led by Ibrahim Gure, should establish effective policies and procedures to achieve the conference’s goals. Clear, actionable plans are necessary to integrate the diaspora’s contributions into Somalia’s development. The department should also communicate key takeaways from the conference to the community, ensuring transparency and widespread understanding.

Setting SMART Goals

For this initiative to succeed, it’s crucial to set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. These goals will provide a clear roadmap and benchmarks to measure progress, ensuring that the efforts of both the diaspora and local communities are aligned and effective.

Bringing Conferences to Somalia

To further benefit Somalia, future conferences should be held within the country. This would not only boost local businesses and the community economically but also showcase the safety and security of Somalia, encouraging more investment and engagement from the diaspora.

A Positive Step Forward

The Somali Diaspora Conference in Doha marks a significant step toward leveraging the collective power of the Somali diaspora for the nation’s betterment. We welcome this initiative and commend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for organizing such an important event. By continuing to foster collaboration and inclusivity, Somalia is on a promising path to a prosperous future.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the Somali Diaspora Conference and other initiatives aimed at improving conditions for Somalis globally.