(20-05-23) MOGADISHU – The inaugural Somali National Youth Conference opened its doors on Saturday, hosting government officials, UN agencies, embassies, international organizations, and a multitude of young Somalis both from home and abroad. The three-day event, which promises to spotlight the role of youth in nation-building, has been hailed as a significant stride towards nurturing a thriving, resilient, and prosperous Somalia.
The conference, orchestrated by various Somali Ministries and led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is expected to welcome over a thousand young Somalis to engage in essential discussions and networking events. The agendas scheduled for the conference delve into the role of youth in maintaining peace and security, fostering creativity, and nurturing talented young individuals.
Top-ranking officials and Ministers from more than 11 Ministries have been invited to this forum to enlighten the youth about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Among the esteemed attendees, today was Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Bare. PM Bare underscored the significance of youth in his opening address, stating, “The youth hold the key to a community’s future. A thriving community is built upon its young members’ innovative spirit. There can be no development without peace. It’s the government’s top priority to enhance peace so as to achieve prosperity in Somalia.”
Adding her voice to the commendations, Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Ms Anita Kiki Gbeho, extended her congratulations to the Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States.
Similarly, Sophie Kemkhadze, Deputy Representative for UNDP Somalia, issued an open call to the youth saying, “We invite young people to provide solutions through innovation. We encourage them to take part in shaping a future we can be proud of.”
International stakeholders also shared their insights. Suldan Said Ahmed, Peacebuilding Envoy for Finland Embassy in Somalia, emphasized the need for the Somali government to invest in its youth, calling for reconciliation and dialogue in nation-building. Ewa Naqfi of the International Organization for Migration in Somalia stressed the need for a conducive environment where youth could participate actively in social, and economic development and peace-building.
The Conference is also set to welcome international delegates who will contribute to various discussions and panels.
Expressing gratitude to the young Somali participants, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Bare Mohamud said, “The Ministry of Youth and Sports is grateful to the Somali youth who participated in the preparation of the National Policy for the Somali youth which was recently approved by the Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia.”
As the Conference takes flight, hopes are high that these dialogues will contribute to a strong foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and youth-empowered Somalia.
