On January 18th, 2024, the Borama Youth Conference was held in Borama, the capital city of the Awdal region of Somaliland, organized by Maax Dugsiye Institute, a non-profit global think tank for public policy that can educate the public using professionalism and expertise.
Around 500 youth members from across the Awdal region of Somaliland and representatives from government and international organizations, as well as Somaliland civil society organizations, attended.
During the conference, the challenges facing youth, entrepreneurship, media, and women’s empowerment in the decision-making process were discussed.
Therefore, the Borama Youth Conference will be a yearly event that will provide a dialogue platform for exchange, discussions, and information sharing among youth and stakeholders.
Participants will specifically discuss issues pertaining to young people, including employment, recreation, quality of higher education, gender, and youth topics.
The conference theme of the year was “leadership,” which has been discussed in terms of the different aspects of leaders. Some of the key guest speakers and panelists described leadership as the art of guiding and influencing individuals or a group towards a common goal. It involves setting a clear direction, inspiring others, and empowering them to achieve their full potential. A great leader possesses a combination of qualities such as vision, integrity, empathy, and the ability to make sound decisions.
They call on young leaders to embrace the responsibilities that come with leadership. To be the change you wish to see in the world and inspire others to join you on this incredible journey.
During the conference, it was awarded to active youth, the best entrepreneurs, and other social activists.
During the Borama Youth Conference, it was discussed the promotion of education and general knowledge of young people, youth and business sections, media, and youth, as well as promoting young women’s participation in decision-making bodies.
According to the theme, Leadership, it is also discussed in the conference how to become a leader and the characteristics of a good and bad leader.
Action points from the conference:
- Promote and support youth businesses in the start-up and production sectors.
- Youth must have a better understanding of the issues in the world, region, and Somaliland.
- Youth must have role models in the sector for personal development and community leadership.
- Youth must be part of the development of the Borama and society.
- Youth must strive for knowledge and the development of general awareness so that they can adapt to the issues going on in the field and around the world.
Lastly, Maax Dugsiye Institute calls for employment, education, financial, and political opportunities to be provided to the youth in Borama and the continuation of youth dialogue platforms.
Watch the news of the conference:
