From February 27th to February 29th, 2024, Somali Universities Association convened its annual meeting, drawing together educational leaders, administrators, and scholars to reflect on the achievements of the past year and chart a course for the future. At the forefront of this gathering was the Vice President of Administration and Finance of Kismayo university Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Abdi, lending their expertise and vision to the discussions.

Central to the deliberations was a comprehensive review of the performance metrics for the year 2023, coupled with a forward-looking agenda aimed at addressing challenges and implementing preventive measures for the ongoing year. Three key priorities emerged as focal points for collective action:

• Promotion of Research: Recognizing research as a cornerstone of academic advancement and societal progress, participants emphasized the imperative to elevate and prioritize research activities within Somali universities. By fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation, the aim is to catalyze transformative discoveries and solutions to pressing societal challenges.
• Formation of a Sports Union: In a bid to enrich campus life and promote holistic development, there was unanimous support for the formation of a sports union within the university framework. This initiative seeks to harness the power of sports to foster camaraderie, promote physical fitness, and instill valuable life skills such as teamwork and discipline among students and faculty alike.
• Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: Recognizing the pivotal role of the Ministry of Education in shaping educational policies and directives, participants underscored the importance of active engagement and collaboration between the union and relevant governmental bodies. By advocating for greater representation and participation in decision-making processes, the union aims to ensure that the interests and aspirations of Somali universities are duly considered and upheld.

In addition to strategic discussions, the meeting provided a platform for Somali scholars to showcase their research endeavors and scholarly contributions. Among the notable topics presented were:

• Employability Skills and Entrepreneurship of University Graduates: Exploring avenues to equip graduates with the requisite skills and competencies to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and competitive job market, while also fostering an entrepreneurial mindset conducive to innovation and economic growth.
• Effective Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Addressing the imperative of robust quality assurance mechanisms to uphold academic standards and safeguard the integrity and credibility of higher education institutions in Somalia.
• Challenges for Higher Education in Somalia: Candid discussions centered on identifying and mitigating the multifaceted challenges facing higher education in Somalia, ranging from infrastructural deficits to systemic barriers and capacity constraints.

With constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts, the meeting concluded on a positive note, heralding a renewed commitment to advancing higher education in Somalia and fostering a conducive environment for academic excellence and innovation.