Somalia: University of Hargeisa Hosts First International Research Conference

What the report says

The University of Hargeisa has launched its first international research conference in Hargeisa, bringing together academics, researchers, policymakers and international partners to focus on research and innovation for local and regional development challenges. According to Horn Diplomat’s report via AllAfrica, the event is built around the theme of using global innovation to generate local solutions for sustainable development.

The conference includes participants from Africa, Asia and Europe, along with keynote talks, panel discussions, technical sessions, poster presentations and networking. University leaders used the gathering to highlight the institution’s growing research profile. President Mohamed Ahmed Sulub said the university had published more than 121 reviewed research papers over the past year and wants its work to have greater influence on policy and development. He also said the school plans to revive and promote Somali indigenous knowledge as part of its broader research agenda.

Board chairman Sacad Ali Shire argued that spending on research should be treated as an investment in national development, while research director Jona Kirujah called for stronger cooperation among universities and stakeholders and for wider use of evidence in policymaking. The programme also features speakers from the University of Copenhagen, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, the University of Nairobi, Amoud University and Somaliland government offices.

Research topics at the conference range from health, climate change and food security to peacebuilding, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and green innovation. The event reflects broader efforts in the region to connect higher education more closely with public policy, development planning and international academic collaboration.