Upcoming Events!

Conference: The role of diaspora community in Somaliland’s Democratic Development, Stability, and International Engagement.

18^th of May 2026/ 6:00 – 9:00 Pm/Future INN Hotel , Bond St, Bristol BS1 3EN

We are organising a conference on 18th May 2025 to facilitate meaningful discussions on key issues affecting Somaliland and its diaspora. This conference will host policymakers, ministers, councillors, community leaders, academics, security experts, and representatives both from the UK and Somaliland. The central theme of the conference is: “The role of diaspora community in Somaliland’s Democratic Development, Stability, and International Engagement”.

This conference will serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration. It will convene government officials, civil society organisations, private sector leaders, academics, and diaspora communities to exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for strengthening democracy, governance, accountability, and sustainable economic growth, also there will be follow up community events to further strength these discussions.

There will be a focus on four fundamental themes:

1. The Role of the Diaspora in Peace, Stability, and Development

The conference will explore the challenges and opportunities for the diaspora to contribute to Somaliland’s growth, democracy, and regional stability. It will focus on creating a platform to facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building, where diaspora expertise can be linked with local needs. This includes mentoring emerging leaders, particularly youth and women, providing technical expertise in governance, law, and businesses, and strengthening local institutions through professional networks and knowledge exchange.

The conference will also explore how the diaspora can collaborate with civil society organisations and human rights initiatives to promote inclusive governance, democracy, social equity, and the protection of human rights, Furthermore, it will explore ways for the diaspora to promote collaboration between Somaliland and UK institutions, supporting trade, educational exchanges, and investment opportunities.

2. Strengthening Stability through Peacebuilding, Social Cohesion, and Public Awareness

The success of Somaliland lies in the interaction between security, inclusive governance, and strong government institutions, underpinned by democratic and accountable systems. The upcoming conference will explore how the government, community stakeholders, and civil society can contribute to peacebuilding, social cohesion, and public awareness, promoting stability and counter terrorism. It will examine how Somaliland can contribute to regional stability while engaging effectively with the international community.

The conference will provide a platform for dialogue, assessment, and strategic planning, highlighting how Somaliland can continue its path towards a stable governance, sustainable development, and regional integration, while empowering the next generation of leaders. Encouraging youth, women, and civil society to play an active role in maintaining security, promoting democratic leadership, and supporting inclusive policy-making.

3. From Tradition to Modern Governance: Youth and Diaspora Leading Change

Somaliland faces an urgent need to transition from traditional systems to modern, accountable governance by strengthening its institutions.

The conference will examine the House of Elders, which has historically mediated clan conflicts, maintained peace, and overseen security, while addressing structural and cultural barriers in clan-based politics that can limit expertise and effective leadership.

It will highlight overdue reforms in the House of Elders and explore ways to build institutions capable of managing conflict, promoting peace, and preventing destabilisation, while enhancing public trust, attracting investment, and fostering international cooperation. The conference will also focus on integrating traditional mechanisms into modern governance, empowering the youth and women in leadership, and engaging the diaspora to share expertise, support institutions, and promote human rights.

4. Youth Participation in Leadership and Gender Equality.

 Generally, the youth and women currently makeup most of the Somaliland’s population, making them central actors in shaping the country’s future rather than just beneficiaries of policy. The conference will address underrepresentation of the youth and woman in politics, exploring barriers in participation and strategies for creating inclusive leadership and opportunities. It will highlight the diaspora’s role in advocating for greater representation and strengthening democratic institutions.

Discussions will also focus on economic empowerment, supporting youth-led startups and small businesses especially in technology, trading and logistics while promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and innovation beyond traditional sectors like farming and agriculture. The conference will serve as a platform to empower our youth and women as leaders, strengthen civil engagement, foster social cohesion, and reducing vulnerability to extremist recruitment and community-level conflict.

If you need further information, please feel free to reach us.

Bristol Somali youth voice Team.

Email: info@bristolsomaliyouthvoice.org

Website: www.bristolsomaliyouthvoice.org

Phone: 07576738583

Address: Easton Community Centre,

 Kilburn Street, Bristol, BS5 6AW

Trip to Barry Island – Advance Booking Required

6th of August 2025/ 11:30 – 6:00 Pm/Easton communtiy centre, Kilburn street,Bristol BS5 6AW

We are organising a trip to Barry Island on 6th August 2025.

This trip aims to provide a positive and memorable experience during the school holidays, helping young people connect with nature and strengthen their emotional wellbeing. We plan to take 50 young people from Bristol to Barry Island, one of the finest beaches in the UK. Priority will be given to children eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). If you believe you qualify, please contact our team by phone or email.

Pickup Location:

Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Bristol, BS5 6AW

Time: 11:30 AM

Drop-off Location:

Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Bristol, BS5 6AW

Time: 6:00 PM

The aim of this trip is to give young people a meaningful and enjoyable day out—an opportunity to step away from their usual environment, relax, and experience the calming atmosphere of the seaside.

For more information, please contact:

Bristol Somali Youth Voice

Email: info@bristolyouthvoicr.org

Mobile: 07576738583

Easton community centre,

Kilburn street, Bristol

BS5 6AW

Thank you for your cooperation.

Conference on Somaliland Democracy, youth participation in leadership and Gender equality!

18^th of May 2025/ 6:00 – 9:00 Pm/Future INN Hotel , Bond St, Bristol BS1 3EN

We are organising a conference on 18th May 2025 to facilitate meaningful discussions on key issues affecting both Somalilanders in the UK and back home. The event will bring together intellectuals, community leaders, government officials from both the UK and Somaliland, and various stakeholders to reflect on Somaliland’s progress and challenges.

The conference will focus on three fundamental themes:

1. The Role of the Diaspora in Peace, Stability, and Development

This discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities for the British-Somaliland diaspora to invest in Somaliland, support democracy, and contribute to peace and stability. We will examine ways to foster economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development in Somaliland through diaspora engagement.

2. Youth Participation in Leadership and Gender Equality

We will address the underrepresentation of youth and women in Somaliland’s political landscape, exploring barriers to participation and strategies for creating inclusive leadership opportunities. This discussion will also highlight how British-Somalilanders can advocate for increased representation and contribute to strengthening Somaliland’s democratic institutions.

3. The Impact of Climate Change on Somaliland’s Economy

This discussion will address the effects of climate change on Somaliland’s economy and explore how community actors, government agencies, and the diaspora can better understand and contribute, mitigating, and adapting to the emerging climate crisis.

Climate change is severely affecting Somaliland’s rural economy, leading to widespread internal displacement, loss of livestock, and increasing migration from rural areas to cities. These challenges threaten livelihoods, food security, and overall economic stability. Discussions will focus on community-led initiatives to combat climate impacts, promoting environmental sustainability, and encouraging investment in small industries and green technologies to strengthen Somaliland’s economic resilience.

If you need further information, please feel free to reach us.

Bristol Somali youth voice Team.

Email: info@bristolsomaliyouthvoice.org

Website: www.bristolsomaliyouthvoice.org

Phone: 07576738583

Address: Easton Community Centre,

 Kilburn Street, Bristol, BS5 6AW

Conference about Peaceful transition and democratic process in Somaliland

26 November, 2023. | 5:30-9:00 PM | Future Inn Hotel, Bond St, Bristol, BS1 3EN

We are organising a conference about peaceful transition and democratic process in Somaliland, this pivotal event will delve into important issues include unemployment, youth and women’s participation in leadership and politics, climate change, security and how Somaliland can maintain international norms and treaties like freedom of speech and protecting human rights. The event will host intellectuals and prominent guest and key note speakers both from Somaliland and here in UK, It will address what a role British Somalilanders can take to contribute historic relationship between Somaliland and UK.

Somali festival and culture in Bristol

 Somali festival and culture in Bristol 2023.

Somali festival and culture is happening in Bristol on 27^th and 28^th of October 2023 at Mirage, Bristol Unit 5, Knitwear House, Redding road, Bristol BS5  6FW. Please do join us and read further information about the event below.

Somali festival and culture in Bristol intend to engage young British Somalis from Bristol who speak English and Somali as their first and second language respectively, or vice versa. We address issues of identity, biculturalism, intergenerational gap, promoting creativity, arts and culture and forging personal identity.

On the behalf of the organising steering group, we would like to cordially invite you to our auspicious Somali festival and culture in Bristol 2023, which occurs annually between the months of October/November. We work with kayd arts and culture a Somali led organisation based in London which delivers a well known annual event of Somali week festival in London.

We want to create space for the next generation of Somali British artist’s and inspire their creativity giving them a platform to showcase their strengths, skills and talents. Additionally, encourage young poets who write poems in English or Somali or have other artistic talents.

We will also bring various Somali cultural crafts, where our guest find fascinating and take a pictures with them, we will be happy to welcome you or anyone from your team to join us at our Somali festival and culture event in Bristol.

The festival will be two nights. The first night, our special guest Dr Nuur Hassan, who wrote something about the Somali diaspora.  In particular, his book “ The Role of Somali parents  in their children’s educations” will be the key note speaker of our opening night. Mohamed A Sayaqle, chair of Bristol Somali youth voice will share the stage with Nuur Hassan, addressing and leading the panel discussion about the challenges and success of Somali young people in Bristol. Mohamed has conducted academic research, about the challenges of returning home and what the notion of “home” means for different generations as part of his postgraduate degree last year at the University of Bath.

The second night will be entertainment for the children, music and exhibition of Somali cultural crafts. We will appreciate if you could able to join both days or one of the two days,we can say with confidence both days will be learning, entertaining and fascinating.

The festival will create a safe space for young people to address, discuss about the issues of identity, arts, and culture, improving their understanding about biculturalism and the comprehensions of Somali-British household and intragenerational gap.

Here are event details:

First Night:

Key note speaker- Dr Nuur Hassan

Panel discussion – Mohamed A Sayaqle

Date: 27^th of October 2023. Time: 6:00- 900 pm.

Venue: Mirage, Bristol Unit 5, Knitwear House, Redding road, Bristol BS5  6FW.

Second Night.

Exhibition of cultural crafts, Short Drama about challenges in schools, music, Arts and dancing.

Date: 28^th of October 2023. Saturday Time: 3:00- 11:00 pm.

Venue: Mirage, Bristol Unit 5,Knitwear House, Redding road, Bristol BS5  6FW.

We will greatly appreciate if you able to confirm your attendance. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

Abdul Ahmed 07898134011

Mohamed A Sayaqle 07576739583.

Samira Muse 07914768023

Looking forward hearing from you.

Organising team.

Bristol Somali forum

Bristol Somali youth voice

Barton Hill activity club.

Bristol Somali media group.