Strengthening Somalia through diaspora engagement and investment

A gathering of the Somali diaspora took place in Doha, Qatar from July 22-24.  The International Somali Diaspora Conference focused on 'Harnessing the Power of the Somali Diaspora for a Better and Prosperous Somalia'.

Hamza Abdi Barre, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, opened the conference in Doha.

The conference served as an important platform for Somalis from around the world to discuss the future of both the diaspora and their homeland.

Key topics of discussion included the complexities of immigration and integration in host countries, strategies for preserving Somali cultural heritage, and a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities facing the global Somali community.

The conference also delved into the multi-faceted landscape of Somalia, examining progress in areas such as security, economic development and foreign relations. Participants engaged in robust discussions aimed at fostering unity, stimulating economic growth and enhancing Somalia's standing on the global stage.

The conference was chaired by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ali Balad, and the Somali Ambassador to Doha, Dr Mohamed Sheikh Dodishe. Their joint efforts successfully brought together the Somali diaspora and fostered connections with the government.

Addressing the conference, the Somali Prime Minister emphasised economic partnerships as a cornerstone of sustainable growth. He called for the establishment of strategic alliances to support development in various sectors, particularly education, healthcare, insurance and finance.

"Strong business partnerships are one of the most important ways to achieve economic growth. I urge you to forge strategic alliances that will benefit sectors such as education, health, insurance and investment to enhance the country's economic capacity," the Prime Minister said.

He also emphasised that increasing production capacity and expanding markets for domestic goods are crucial for economic stability. The Prime Minister underlined his country's commitment to strengthening trade relations with nations around the world to revitalise the national economy.

For his part, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Government of Somalia, praised the Somali diaspora for playing a major role in the country's progress and development, and promised that his ministry would work closely with them.

"I commend you for your significant contributions to the nation-building process. Your continued commitment to the development of the country is invaluable. Under my leadership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to supporting the Somali Diaspora and fostering a strong partnership," said Minister Fiqi.

Ali Balad, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the conference aimed to create a platform for open dialogue and concrete action to inspire the diaspora to actively participate in shaping Somalia's future.

"This conference aims to create a sustainable platform for global Somalis to collaborate on diaspora-related issues, explore ways to channel the Diaspora's significant financial and intellectual assets into productive investment in Somalia, and empower the Diaspora to serve as effective goodwill ambassadors promoting Somalia's culture, potential and positive image worldwide," said the Minister.

Despite facing many challenges, Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs praised the Somali diaspora for its resilience and adaptability. He highlighted their ability to integrate into host communities while preserving their cultural heritage, even in the face of economic hardship. The Minister reiterated Qatar's commitment to continued cooperation with the Somali government.

A cornerstone of the three-day conference was a series of in-depth panel discussions. These sessions addressed critical issues such as maximising the potential of the Somali diaspora, empowering Somali youth through education and technology, and exploring the diaspora's pivotal role in nation-building. Participants also explored strategies for forging strategic partnerships to advance Somalia's prosperity, harnessing the intellectual and entrepreneurial capabilities of the diaspora for national development, and strengthening bilateral relations between Qatar and Somalia.

The conference also addressed the essential services required to support the Somali diaspora, emphasising the importance of effective advocacy and action. Panelists discussed how to position diaspora members as global goodwill ambassadors, capable of positively representing Somalia on the world stage. These discussions provided a comprehensive platform for participants to share insights, identify challenges and develop actionable plans to advance the interests of Somalia and its diaspora.