The Istanbul Axis Continues: This week Turkey held an international conference on Somalia (“Istanbul II”) with the theme: “Preparing Somalia’s Future: Goals for 2015”. The conference provided the international community with a unique opportunity to adopt common positions on the future of Somalia. It aimed to chart immediate concrete actions in the political, security and economic spheres that will enable a smooth end of transition and the establishment of an inclusive and broad-based political dispensation in Somalia after August 2012. The conference also sought to build consensus on a long-term approach to state-building and economic development, including the evolution of an enabling environment for private investment in the post-transition period. Visit the Conference website here and hear Al Jazeera’s reporting here. 

Are you a fan of TEDx Conferences? Watched the countless inspiring, emotional, enduring and educational videos? You’ll be glad to know that TEDx has extended itself to Somalia with TEDxMogadishu whose theme is Rebirth! The Conference is based on the notion that sustained peace is on the horizon with the Somali diaspora returning home and starting businesses and international investors exploring vast opportunities. TEDxMogadishu celebrates the power of ideas to positively change the world by bringing together like-minded people who believe in this mission. If you’re not in Mogadishu today, then visit the TEDxMogadishu website here where you’ll see live Somali speakers sparking deep discussion and connection. This is yet another sign that there is rebirth in Somalia!

Why has the Somali Shilling withstood the tumultuous lack of a central authority of government or banking in the last 20 years, making it an exception to the rule of a paper currency normally taken to be an expression of faith in the government that issues it? Read the latest feature from The Economist here to understand the complexities involved adding to the longevity of the mighty Somali Shilling. 

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we highlight Dr. Hawa Abdi, better known as the “Saint of Somalia” as she has been nominated for the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize. Click here to read about Angelina Jolie, the amazing actor and humanitarian as she tells the story of Dr. Hawa Abdi, the inspiring Somali obstetrician whose medical camp in Somalia has literally saved thousands. After hearing about her nomination for the Peace Prize, Dr. Hawa noted that in the last 27 years, she has given Somalis her heart and her soul without losing hope. The Nobel Peace Prize nomination comes at the right time lifting her morale and keeps her hope alive. If she wins the Prize, she hopes to empower Somali women economically and give a home to homeless Somalis. Make sure to look out for Dr. Hawa’s memoir next year! We will share more news about other Somali nominees for example for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Be Inspired! Be Positive! Be Somali! 

If you haven’t heard yet, the world gathered today to support Somalia’s efforts towards peace and prosperity. British Prime Minister David Cameron hosted various dignitaries in London for a conference on Somalia. The conference was an opportunity to find ways to resolve critical issues facing Somalia, including humanitarian, security, and justice issues. More than fifty delegations attended, all echoing the fact that this presented a “turning point” in Somalia’s hard road to establish stability. Mr. Cameron put it best by stating that ”the problems in Somalia don’t just affect Somalia. They affect the whole world”. If you’re curious about the outcome of the Conference, read the final communique for yourself here. The next international meeting on Somalia is scheduled for June in Istanbul, Turkey. Stay tuned!