When you think of Ted, you think of a gathering of world re-known speakers and intellectuals sharing their works and ideas in the comfort of a five-star hotel. But this is a different story altogether. The venue is Mogadishu - perhaps the world's most dangerous city for the past 21 years. The five-star hotel is traded for a bullet-ridden one with probably dozens of armed security guards. It may not be surprising to hear a few gunshots from the conference boardrooms. I can keep on talking about the negatives of Mogadishu, but that is not what this article is about. We can reserve that for another day.
Whilst this might not be your typical TedTalk, the motive remains the same - share and spread ideas. I came across this story on the social media and I thought it was just another bogus story. And then I saw a Facebook page that guided me to the TedxMogadishu website. I came to my realization that is not only true but real. There is finally a TedTalk in Mogadishu!
The theme of the conference - Rebirth, sums it all. This marks the start of a new dawn where the impossible is increasingly becoming possible. This is a totally different from any other conference held in Somalia for the past two decades. It’s not about discussing and solving conflicts (as has been the case for the last 21 years) but sharing new ideas on development, business, education, human rights among others. Discussions on these important issues have never seen the light of the day because of the brutal civil war in Somalia. The conference marks the renewed hope Somalis have in their war torn country. The growing optimism came as result of the improved security situation in Somalia after transitional government gained control of Mogadishu with the help of African Union troops. This has resulted in the influx of Somalis from abroad in the hope of starting a new life in Mogadishu. Some came to start up businesses, others to help in the humanitarian efforts following the famine of 2011.
The Somali Diaspora has been the key to the re-building of Mogadishu and as evident in the lineup of speakers at the conference, they are definitely important stakeholders in the new Somalia. Each will talk of their unique ideas of success and the way they have used or might use it in Somalia. Some of the speakers were successful businessmen abroad who saw an opportunity in Somalia amid the conflict. I have no doubt their stories will be inspiring and a driving force in the rebuilding of the country. I wished to see more non-Somali speakers at the conference but we cannot complain. The organizers must have put in a lot effort into this and as it seems the conference has all the writings of a successful one.
The conference comes at a crucial time when there is a lot of good going on for Somalia. From the London conference on Somalia peace process to the renewed international involvement and support in Somalia, the future is bright. It’s the responsibility of the Somalis to take back their country and reclaim it and this is one giant step in the right direction. And as the Chinese proverb goes “every journey starts with the first step” this might be our first step to a beautiful future.
I am excited about this conference and will be up 5 AM local time tomorrow to watch the lives stream. Soomaliya Hanoolaato!
This will be a historic meeting, one of its kind held in Mogadishu. Thanks for the details Mo'.
ReplyDeleteSomalia hanoolaatoo!
Great article Abdi Mo. I was amazed too when I saw the link on the social network.
ReplyDeleteFor once, concentrating other social aspect of life is a good way of diverting ourselves from the ever ending war and the solution everyone seems to have. Development is a great way of dealing the core issues at hand. Thanks for sharing this amazing piece!