Mogadishu, Somalia(Mogadishu24)-Mogadishu has become the center of academic focus as it hosts the 15th Somali Studies International Association (SSIA) Congress, marking its return to the Somali capital after 35 years. The four-day event, which began on December 15, 2024, brings together over 300 participants, including local and international scholars, academics, policymakers, and researchers.

Organized by Somalia’s Ministry of Education, the Somali National University (SNU), and the SSIA, the congress is themed “Reconstructing and Developing the Somali Nation”. It aims to address critical issues surrounding Somalia’s social, cultural, and political challenges, while exploring opportunities for national growth.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud opened the congress, reflecting on the progress and challenges in Somalia’s education system. He emphasized the need for quality education and the revival of key faculties, particularly social sciences and history, which he noted are essential for nation-building.

“Education in Somalia has gone through different stages, and today we are debating its quality. Some critical faculties are missing in our universities, and others lack interest. Social science and history are key to understanding our identity and future,” President Mohamud said.

A Platform for Research and Collaboration

Throughout the congress, participants will present research papers and engage in discussions covering areas such as:

• Governance and state-building
• Education and human capital development
• Security and geopolitics
• Climate change and environmental challenges
• Culture, language, and national identity

The SSIA congress serves as a critical forum for fostering collaboration, generating actionable strategies, and exploring solutions to Somalia’s development challenges.

Significance of the Event

Held for the first time in Mogadishu since 1989, the congress symbolizes Somalia’s resilience and its commitment to reviving intellectual and academic engagement. The conference is expected to produce policy recommendations and initiatives to promote peace, reconciliation, and nation-building.

The SSIA, established in 1978, has been instrumental in advancing Somali studies worldwide, and this year’s congress highlights the importance of reconnecting research and development efforts with Somalia’s current priorities.

The conference will run until December 18, with discussions expected to pave the way for practical strategies to reconstruct and develop the Somali nation.