Accord University and UN Association of Somalia (UNASOMALIA) Partner to Advance Sustainable Development Goals

Mogadishu, Somalia – October 02, 2024 – Today marked a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts between Accord University and the United Nations Association of Somalia (UNASOMALIA) in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The two institutions have successfully completed the first phase of the URGD Partial Scholarship Program, a joint initiative aimed at supporting educational access for students across Somalia, with a focus on empowering youth, fostering sustainable development, and building future leaders.

The partnership between Accord University and UNASOMALIA aligns with the global push for a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By offering partial scholarships to Somali students, this program serves as a vital step toward achieving several SDGs, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

First Phase Completion: A Commitment to Education and Empowerment

The successful completion of the first phase of the URGD Partial Scholarship Program is a testament to the collective effort of dedicated teams, volunteers, and students committed to the ideals of the SDGs. The program, which focuses on enhancing access to quality higher education for students from various backgrounds, has already seen positive outcomes in its initial phase.

Dr. Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of UNASOMALIA, expressed his excitement about the progress made so far: "Today's completion of the first phase marks an important achievement in our joint efforts to empower Somali youth through education. At UNASOMALIA, we are committed to advancing the SDGs, and we are grateful for our partnership with Accord University. Together, we are creating opportunities that will positively impact the lives of students and their communities."

The first phase of the program involved the selection and enrollment of students from diverse regions of Somalia. The partial scholarships cover tuition fees and provide students with the tools they need to pursue their academic goals, ranging from undergraduate to graduate-level studies. Students selected for this phase represent a broad spectrum of disciplines, ensuring that the program fosters leadership across various sectors, from education and healthcare to business and technology.

A Strong Partnership for Sustainable Development

This initiative is the result of a strong collaboration between Accord University and UNASOMALIA, both of which share a deep commitment to the SDGs. Accord University’s role in the partnership is pivotal, offering academic expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and resources to ensure the success of the students enrolled in the program.

Professor Abdulkadir B. Mohamed, Vice Chancellor of Accord University, emphasized the importance of education in driving the SDGs:"Our collaboration with UNASOMALIA is a critical step toward building a sustainable future for Somalia. Education is at the heart of every SDG, and we believe that empowering young people through access to quality education is key to unlocking their potential and addressing global challenges. Together, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future for Somalia and beyond."

Accord University’s contribution includes providing mentorship, access to modern educational tools, and offering students a platform for engaging with local and global development challenges. The university’s commitment to fostering sustainable development through education is evident in its various academic programs that integrate SDG principles into curricula and research projects.

The Road Ahead: Remaining Phases and Long-Term Impact

While the first phase has been completed successfully, the program is far from over. The remaining phases of the URGD Partial Scholarship Program will be finalized by the end of October 2024. These phases will continue to build on the momentum of the initial phase, expanding the scholarship program to accommodate more students from different parts of Somalia, particularly marginalized and underserved communities.

The remaining phases will focus on:

• Increasing Scholarship Opportunities: Expanding the number of scholarships available to Somali students in fields related to sustainable development, renewable energy, public health, and social entrepreneurship.

• Capacity Building: Offering supplementary workshops, internships, and networking opportunities to ensure that students not only receive academic knowledge but are also equipped with practical skills for real-world challenges.

• Promoting Gender Equality: Ensuring that female students, especially those from rural or conflict-affected areas, have the opportunity to participate and succeed in higher education. Gender equality remains a key component of the SDGs, and efforts will be made to actively promote the participation of women in leadership roles.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: The success of the program will be closely monitored, with feedback mechanisms in place to evaluate its impact on students and their communities. The aim is to continuously improve and adapt the program to meet the evolving needs of Somali society.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

A Future of Empowerment and Sustainable Growth

The partnership between Accord University and UNASOMALIA is an important step toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Somalia, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By empowering young Somali students through access to education, the program helps equip them with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in their communities and advocates for sustainable development.

The successful completion of the first phase and the exciting future plans for the program highlight the critical role that educational institutions, civil society organizations, and international bodies play in advancing global development objectives. The collaboration between Accord University and UNASOMALIA exemplifies the power of partnerships in achieving long-term, sustainable change.

As the program progresses toward its final phases, the partnership between Accord University and UNASOMALIA will continue to drive positive change, providing Somali students with the tools and opportunities they need to contribute meaningfully to their country’s development and the global SDG agenda.

About Accord University, Accord University is a leading institution committed to providing high-quality, accessible education to students across Somalia and beyond. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in their careers and contribute to sustainable development.

About UNASOMALIA The United Nations Association of Somalia (UNASOMALIA) is a civil society organization dedicated to advancing the UN’s goals in Somalia. Through advocacy, education, and partnerships, UNASOMALIA works to promote the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to Somalia’s development in line with international standards and human rights.