The GSD’s international conference aims to create a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among members of the Somali diaspora, scholars, practitioners, international communities and policymakers. The conference will focus on the critical nexus between peace building and economic development within the Somali diaspora context, exploring how these two aspects can mutually reinforce each other for the advancement of both the diaspora community and Somalia as a whole.

Conference Objectives

· Knowledge Sharing and Learning: To facilitate the exchange of experiences, best practices, and lessons learned in both peace building and economic development within the Somali diaspora and Somalia, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual learning.

· Inspiring innovation and creativity: To enable members of the Somali diaspora with critical thinking, self-reflection, tools, and knowledge necessary to actively and effectively contribute to peace building and sustainable economic development initiatives within diaspora and in Somalia.

· Strengthening Networks: To provide a space for networking and collaboration among Somali diaspora individuals, organizations, academic institutions, and developmental agencies interested in advancing peace and economic growth.

· Policy Dialogue: To engage policymakers, academics, and practitioners in discussions on effective policy frameworks that can support peace building and economic development initiatives within the Somali diaspora and Somalia, nurturing a supportive environment for sustainable change.

Conference Themes:

1. Leveraging the Diaspora's Role in Peacebuilding: This theme explores the various ways the diaspora community can contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Somalia. It will focus on initiatives such as traditional mediation and reconciliation processes, conflict resolution programs within grassroot level, and community centred peacebuilding initiatives led by diaspora and local members. The discussions will also address the challenges and opportunities of diaspora engagement in peacebuilding and identify best practices.

2. Promoting Economic Development through Diaspora Investments: This theme will explore the potential for diaspora investments to drive economic development in Somalia. It will discuss strategies to mobilize financial resources, knowledge transfer, and technology exchange from the diaspora community to support entrepreneurship, job creation, and the growth of local industries. The discussions will also address the importance of fostering a conducive business environment and strengthening public-private partnerships to attract diaspora investments.

3. Innovation and Technology for Economic Growth: This theme will focus on harnessing the power of innovation and technology to promote economic growth within Somalia. It will examine success stories of diaspora-led startups, showcase innovative solutions for agriculture, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure, and discuss ways to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive growth. The discussions will also address the challenges and opportunities of leveraging technology for economic development in Somalia.

4. Strengthening Collaboration between Diaspora, local community, government and international communities: This theme will highlight the importance of collaboration between diaspora members and local community in advancing peacebuilding and economic development efforts. It will explore mechanisms for partnership building, knowledge sharing, and capacity development between diaspora organizations, local communities, international communities and government institutions. The discussions will also address how to create an enabling environment that fosters trust, collaboration, mutual understanding and common goals.

5. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion: Examining the importance of gender equality and social inclusion in promoting peace and economic development, and exploring strategies to ensure that these principles are integrated into all initiatives.

6. Cultural Preservation and Identity: Recognizing the significance of Somali cultural heritage preservation and identity in promoting a sense of belonging among the Somali diaspora and how these elements can contribute to peace building and economic progress through the cultural exhibition and continues dialogue.

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