SOMALIA TODAY-TOMORROW - The Future of Somalia depends on its people, particularly its Diaspora. This one day conference focused on the major obstacles facing Somalia and what can be done to break the cycle of violence, civil wars, under development and other problems. The conference examined the trends; Short and long term perspectives as well as global and regional insights, demographic and social changes in the Horn of Africa. Focusing on Somalia’s contemporary situation, i.e. Somalia at cross road- where to from here?
National and regional security issues as well as the role of religion in Somali’s future were discussed in detail. The papers and presentations will be valuable for researchers, academia, media and government policy makers. The presenters from Australia, Somalia, Canada, Indonesia, Singapore and local community leaders and students equipped attendees with insights into the current situation in Somalia. Possible pathways to a better future were presented.
Mohamed Ibrahim, Research Fellow at Melbourne University’s NCEIS and one of the organizers of the conference said that “It was indeed an honour to hold the inaugural Somali Conference entitled Somalia Today Tomorrow, at Melbourne University”. Melbourne University, one of the most prestigious universities in Australia with faculties in Medicine, Law, Architecture, Engineering, Education, Arts and Sciences as well as the Asia Institute and the School of Islamic Studies was established in the early 1850s.
Speaking at the conference, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Director Center for Research and Dialogue – Somalia (CRD) articulated the need for unity among Somalis “we cannot continue undercutting each other’s efforts, Somalia and Somali people, can only be helped if the “we” optimized our human resource. We are often defined by others; there is a need for the Somali scholars, academics, researchers and students to take interest in the Somali affairs”. Jabril added, “Growing Somali community in the Asia Pacific and South/East Asia is the jewel of new Somalia with potential to affect the current dynamics in Somalia”.
The presence of a significant number of younger Somali Australians at the conference, many of whom were born in Australia was testament to the interest felt by young Somalis in Australia. Many expressed an interest in helping to build the country that their parents had left, often as refugees.
The government of Australia, who has traditionally support Somalia through successive scholarships in earlier 70s and 80s, has recently announced plans to give scholarships to Somali students to study in Malaysia to increase the chances of the students returning back to Somalia after completing their studies. The principal idea behind this engagement is helping Somalia help itself. Unfortunately, in the past many Somalia students who have been given scholarships fail to return to Somalia.
Two female Somali university students, Zamzam Hersi and Halima contributed ideas that caught many participants by surprise. Their articulate and educated manner and the maturity of their ideas was a very encouraging symbol of the possibilities that a good education can bring and the vibrancy with which the Somali youth can investigate issues related to their homelands.
Mohamed Baaruud who works with NSW Service for the treatment and rehabilitation of the torture and trauma survivors (STARTTS) shared with the participants, the collective Truman the Somali people suffer as nation as well as individual level. Mohamed Said “With no treatment or acknowledgment, Somali’s collective trauma may prevent Somalia from moving forward”
Yusuf Sheikh Omar (Alkownayn) of Latrobe University presented some of his PhD findings on comparative study of the Somali youth in Minnesota and Melbourne. Despites living in different environment, the two groups have some similarities and of course the expected differences. Yusuf indicated that the two young communities can learn from each other in many aspects of intergenerational cultural negotiations.
Rhys Thompson of Melbourne University, a Phd candidate and expert on Remittance and Somali Hawala system,
shared with the participants the findings of his study on Somalia Hawala system. Thomason asserted that Hawala is lifeline for Somali people and that very few people, particularly Australians know how the system works. He emphasized the need to protect and promote these businesses, and that can only be achieved through education. Ahmed Mohamed discussed the Hawala companies and the new Australian Compliance regulatory system. The Australian government will shut down any Hawala company who fail to comply with new Australian regulation by March 2010 .
Sheikh Abdi Nur, a prominent Somali religious scholar gave a brief history of the Islamic movements in Somalia. HE Ambassador Mohamud Olow Barow who is based in Jakarta, Indonesia gave a speech about the challenges and opportunities in Somalia and possible ways forward.
Also, Hamid Ibrahim, CEO of Bakaal Worldwide Money transfer, spoke about the role of education in rebuilding Somalia. Hamid encouraged Somali student in Australia to study hard and to prepare themselves to take the leadership role in Somalia and Australia.
The conference was intentionally planned to enable community participation and the promotion of an environment for open discussion among the participants with the intention of producing suggestions, strategies for Somali community leaders in the Diaspora as well as back home.
Many innovative new ideas were presented detailing ways to develop Somali’s economy by focusing on the delivery of education services to the young generation. Ways to develop the agricultural and trade sector were also discussed and strategies were presented for all Somali leaders to consider.
The academic tenor of the discussions was notable. Despite the diversity of participant background and tribal allegiances there was an overwhelming interest in learning and discussing not in just criticizing or dismissing the opinions of others.
The plan is to encourage more Somali scholars to participate in next year’s Somali Conference in Melbourne. The organizers of this year’s conference will publish the conference proceedings as well as a summary of the Q@A session and the outcome of the panel discussions. This will be made available via http://www.crdsomalia.org.
The conference was sponsored by Melbourne University’s National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies and supported by Bakaal worldwide Money Transfer.
