Fifth Session of the 2026 Youth Dialogue Series Held in Mogadishu
Balqiis Insights, in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), convened the fifth session of its 2026 Youth Dialogue Series in Mogadishu to examine the role of higher education in Somalia’s state-building process. The forum brought together young people, practitioners, and experts to assess whether universities are equipping graduates with the skills, values, and competencies required for effective governance, public service, and national development.
The discussion highlighted the expanding role of universities in shaping both technical capacity and civic responsibility. Participants emphasized that higher education should move beyond academic achievement to strengthen critical thinking, ethical awareness, leadership, and a stronger commitment to public service.
The dialogue also focused on the practical skills and competencies needed to respond to Somalia’s governance and development challenges. Participants underscored the importance of applied learning, research capacity, and leadership development in preparing graduates for meaningful roles across public institutions, civil society, and the private sector.
Overall, the discussion reaffirmed the central role of universities in developing the human capital required for Somalia’s long-term stability and progress. Participants encouraged stronger collaboration between academia, government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure higher education more effectively contributes to national development.
