Ahmed Omar has worked as a leader and experts in humanitarian and development efforts in Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Kenya for over 15 years. As social influencer, youth activity, Ahmed co-founded Successful initiatives like #CAAWIWALAAL and #Kacdoonka Nabadda. Ahmed has worked with a wide range of organizations, including national (Baniadam, SIRC, MMC), international (DRC, Save the Children), United Nations (ILO), research and consulting (Oxford International Research Centre, Kasmodev, RDI), and government (BRA, OPM Somalia) entities. Ahmed holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in strategic management from Kenya University and a Master of Arts (MA) in international leadership and negotiation from Europia Universidad.

Fouzia Warsame is a veteran Educationalist with 10+ years in the field of education possessing expansive academic as well as practical experiences in educational programs and policies that incorporate instruction, research, curriculum development, managerial, administrative, and advocacy roles. She played a critical role in the re-operationalization of Somali National University (SNU) after 28+ years of civil war. Rebuilt and expanded the Faculty of Education and worked as dear of education and social science of Somali National University education, deputy chief party of creative associate international and consultant on major local, regional and international education projects and programs. Both her academic and professional work focus on the nexus between education, community and global connections, and how such connections can play a critical role towards systemic change, social justice and sustainable nation building in post-conflict Somalia. Fouzia holds Master of Education, Global and International Education University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Bachelor of Education, Elementary Education University of Alberta Edmonton, Bachelor of Science, Natural Science Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada

Mahat Mohammed Ahmed is a seasoned career banker with over 19 years experience in banking and currently the CEO of IBS Bank. Previously, he was the Managing Director of Premier Bank Somalia in charge of driving the implementation of the Bank’s overall strategy and the fulfilment of its Mission. Before joining Premier Bank, Mahat was Head of Islamic Banking for Standard Chartered Bank Kenya where he helped setup and rollout their global Islamic Banking brand Saadiq in Kenya. Before that, he was with Barclays Bank and Gulf African Bank at different managerial roles. Mahat holds numerous qualifications including a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems & Technology and a Global Executive Master of Business Administration from the United States International University (USIU), Kenya. He has also taken part in several seminars and workshops in Banking and Islamic Finance.

Abdirahim Adam is executive director of Madasha Aqoonyahanka Aragtida Nool – MAAN in Somalia, he has more than 11 years of experience highly competent in research, coordination field, administration, highly motivated and with good knowledge of the political, socio-economic, security and humanitarian landscape in Somalia. Adam has broader understanding on the political dynamics and context of Somalia and has a wider network of key stakeholders in Somalia. Avery organized innovative initiative taker who has on many occasions delivered concrete results on all the mission he was involved. Adam worked for Somali government in different positions such as Ministry of humanitarian affairs and disaster management as Advisor, Office of the Prime Minister as Social Development Pillar Advisor and was also member of federal electoral implementation team 2020-2022 as General Secretary. Adam also worked with Heritage Institute of Policy Study (HIPS) as researcher.
Adam is current pursuing a master’s degree of Peace, governance, and development, he also holds Bachelor of Marketing Management from Kampala international university In Uganda and Diploma of business administration from SIMAD university in Mogadishu.

Dr. Abdi M. Kusow is Professor of Sociology at Iowa State University. He is internationally recognized sociologist with extensive scholarship in international migration and the contemporary African Diaspora. Professor Kusow is also one of the most recognized scholars on the social and geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa region. His research appeared in top ranked sociology and international migration journals and served as editorial board member on leading sociology journals. Professor Kusow has given invited keynote speeches at many national and international universities, including Ohio State University; Aalborg University, Denmark; York University, Canada; Heidelberg University, Germany; and Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. He was an invited speaker at the 2017 Doha Forum. Professor Kusow is Co-editor of the Journal of Somali Studies and served as the Vice chair of the Somali Studies International Congress, 2007-2017. He is Appointed Member, International Scientific Committee of the Slave Route Project: Resistance, Liberty, and Heritage, appointed by the Director-General, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, UNESCO 2017-2021; 2021-2025