Somalia Joins Global Science and Technology Discussions at IPU Assembly

A Somali parliamentary delegation, led by Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Abshirow, is attending the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland. This assembly, which began on October 13, 2024, brings together representatives from parliaments around the world to discuss key global challenges under the theme "Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future." The event provides a platform for nations to share insights on how advances in STI can be used to address pressing global issues, particularly in relation to peace and sustainability.

Somalia’s active participation in this high-profile assembly highlights the country's commitment to utilizing science, technology, and innovation to drive both domestic development and global peace initiatives. The Somali delegation is expected to contribute to discussions covering a wide range of critical issues, including the role of innovation in addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and resolving conflicts through technological and scientific advancements. Ethical considerations in the use of technology and the importance of global cooperation in managing these innovations are also expected to be key topics at the assembly.

The IPU assembly offers a unique opportunity for Somalia to engage with other nations and foster meaningful international collaborations. The Somali delegation is poised to network with parliamentarians from various countries, exploring opportunities to establish bilateral and multilateral partnerships. These relationships could pave the way for future cooperation in fields such as technological innovation, development strategies, and conflict resolution. For Somalia, these international ties may bring enhanced support for its development efforts, particularly in sectors where STI can play a transformative role.

The participation of Somali representatives in the IPU Assembly also aligns with the country's broader strategic goals. By integrating STI into its development framework, Somalia seeks to promote sustainable growth, improve governance, and contribute to regional and global peace-building efforts. The assembly’s focus on STI presents an opportunity for Somalia to exchange best practices, learn from other nations’ experiences, and apply these lessons to its domestic policy.

The outcomes of the assembly are expected to have a significant impact on Somalia’s policy formulation, particularly in areas like sustainable development, technology-driven governance, and peacebuilding. The knowledge gained from these international discussions could inform Somalia’s efforts to adopt science and technology solutions that address the country's specific challenges, such as climate change, infrastructure development, and digital transformation.

Somalia's engagement in the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly serves as a strong indication of the nation's resolve to harness the power of science, technology, and innovation (STI) for long-term development, peace, and stability. Led by Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Abshirow, the Somali parliamentary delegation is taking part in critical discussions centered around the assembly’s theme of "Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future."

By attending this prestigious global forum, Somalia is not only demonstrating its intent to embrace modern technological advancements but also positioning itself as a forward-thinking nation eager to collaborate on global challenges. The assembly brings together parliamentary representatives from countries around the world to engage in meaningful dialogue on how advancements in STI can help address pressing issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, sustainable development, and conflict resolution.

For Somalia, a country that has endured decades of conflict and instability, participation in these discussions is particularly significant. The nation’s leadership recognizes the critical role that science and technology can play in creating solutions that promote peace and sustainable growth. The Somali delegates are expected to share their insights on how technological innovations can address the unique challenges their country faces, including environmental degradation, food security, and rebuilding critical infrastructure.

Somalia’s involvement in this assembly also provides an opportunity for the delegation to build strategic international partnerships. By networking with parliamentarians and officials from other nations, Somali leaders can forge bilateral and multilateral collaborations that may yield essential support for the country's development agenda. These partnerships could facilitate access to new technologies, investment opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives that would empower Somalia to leverage innovation more effectively.

The outcomes of the assembly are likely to influence Somalia’s domestic policy landscape as well. With the insights and knowledge gained from the global discussions, Somalia’s leadership can develop informed policies that prioritize STI as key drivers of economic growth, improved governance, and peacebuilding. In particular, the country can benefit from lessons in adopting new technologies to enhance education, healthcare, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability.

Moreover, Somalia’s participation in this global forum underscores its willingness to contribute to international efforts aimed at fostering peace and sustainability. As the world faces challenges that require collective action—such as climate change and the ethical implications of emerging technologies—Somalia’s engagement reflects a desire to be part of the global conversation and to help shape solutions that benefit both its citizens and the global community.

Ultimately, Somalia’s proactive approach at the IPU Assembly is a step towards aligning the nation with global trends in innovation and development. The experience and collaborations formed at this assembly will likely help Somalia integrate scientific and technological advancements into its national policies, driving the country towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future. Through these efforts, Somalia can better position itself as a leader in STI-driven growth and play an active role in shaping the future of global peace and sustainability.