HIPS Annual Forum for Ideas: An Impactful Confluence of Ideas Shaping Discourse in the Horn of Africa
Traveling to Djibouti holds different experiences for Somalis from all parts of the world, sharing deep relations of kinship, history, and culture.
It is a small nation nestled in a corner of the African continent and has played major roles in Somalia’s reconstruction in its post-1991 collapse.
Touching down at the Djibouti International Airport, I had many expectations, based on prior reading I had done as is a habit of mine when travelling to a new place. My first experience straight from the airport was how different it was from other Somali inhabited areas I have been to.
The most palpable difference is hearing the French and Arabic language in the streets, and the visible French influences such as in cuisines. Some streets even bear French names such as Marseille Street.
Situated between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia along the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti’s azure waters and welcoming spirit served as a captivating backdrop for the recent intellectual forum hosted on its shores. The Heritage Institute Annual Forum of Ideas takes place in the city of Djibouti under the auspices of the Djibouti president, H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh.
The forum’s 2023 theme, Fostering a Culture of Peace in The Horn Through Advancing Conciliation and Social Cohesion was very timely and relevant for the necessary discussions and engagement that ought to happen more in the Horn, a region strife with conflict and instability.
As participants from diverse backgrounds arrived, a palpable energy filled the air in anticipation of meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas. From the start, the allure of the landscapes seamlessly merged with the intrigue of the forum to come.
Unfolding annually in Djibouti, the signature event, Annual Forum for Ideas, hosted by Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, serves as a beacon of intellectual curiosity and diversity, underscoring its significance. The sustained dedication of organizers and attendees in Djibouti has fostered an environment where meaningful conversations thrive at this intellectual rendezvous.
The forum has become an anticipated tradition, with participants traveling from across the Horn of Africa and beyond to take part in the enriching exchange of perspectives. The event attracts great minds aiming to help shape the trajectory of their nations and communities.
More than a recurring event, the forum has evolved into a revered tradition for the Horn of Africa policy makers and other stakeholders providing a cornerstone for the open exchange of perspectives, reaffirming Djibouti’s role as a melting pot where concepts spanning cultures coalesce.
Unlike traditional policy or academic gatherings, these forums uniquely convene as “Forums of Ideas,” a term defined by participants themselves.
This distinction reflects the dynamic discussions that actively engage diverse sectors of Somali society in conversations reaching beyond conventional boundaries, thanks to Djibouti’s warm welcome, approximately 500 attendees, highlighting a shared dedication to intellectual discourse.
In the tapestry of diplomatic ties, Djibouti and Somalia have woven a profound camaraderie transcending geopolitics. The recent “Somali-led think tank” forum in Djibouti stood as a poignant reminder of this enduring brotherhood. For a start, Djibouti’s Arta region is the birthplace of the Third Republic of Somalia. This represents a genuine bond standing the test of time, not just diplomatic courtesy.
This year’s forum emerged as a distinctive chapter marked by shifting influence, dynamics, and regional contexts. Once a platform purely for national deliberations, the forum’s expanded scope and influence reaffirms the think tank’s commitment to being a dynamic catalyst for change, responding to the developing needs and challenges faced by Somalia and the Greater Horn of Africa.
This broader engagement signaled the maturation of the Institute’s influence and impact. The historically complex and geopolitically intricate Horn of Africa has undergone significant changes as captured in discussions during the forum. The forum became a microcosm of broader geopolitical shifts, enabling nuanced talks about Somalia’s changing role.
Like the ebb and flow of the tide, the discussions mirrored the fluid dynamics shaping regional relations. Participants spoke with vigor, demonstrating that even the most complex issues can be navigated through respectful dialogue.
However, all came to a halt, when Somalia’s Minister for Women and Human Rights Development Khadija Mohamed Diriye, a luminary in Somali politics, unexpectedly passed away on the third day, casting a somber shadow over the forum, and leaving delegates in collective mourning.
More than a political figure, Minister Khadija was a remarkable woman of strength, resilience, and advocacy in advancing the role of women in politics. Her untimely departure marked the end of a 20-year journey of outstanding service as both minister and Member of Parliament since the Arta Government in 2000. Her profound legacy will continue inspiring the nation, and Somali women in particular.
The unexpected passing of Minister Khadija was profoundly heartbreaking for all who knew her. As a pioneering woman in Somali politics, she was a role model and inspiration to countless women across the Horn of Africa who aspired to leadership positions. Her unwavering commitment to championing women’s rights and human rights more broadly served as a guiding light during Somalia’s ongoing journey of state reconstruction and democratization.
The sudden death of Minister Khadija sent shockwaves through the forum, leading to the cancellation of proceedings to allow for collective grief. As the news reverberated across Somalia, tributes poured in from colleagues, constituents and leaders acknowledging the great void left by her departure. The Djibouti government swiftly facilitated arrangements to repatriate her body to Somalia. Their efficient coordination and remarkable solidarity allowed for a dignified and timely farewell.
In honoring Minister Khadija’s profound legacy, it is essential to recognize her monumental impact on Somali politics. Over her unwavering 20-year tenure, she became synonymous with the struggle for women’s rights and human dignity. Her peerless commitment to these causes earned her deep respect and admiration both domestically and internationally. Minister Khadija’s wit, political acumen and vibrant personal style retained its vigor throughout her service during transformative moments.
Beginning in the crucible of change under the Arta government, Minister Khadija laid the foundations for her enduring public service. From those early days to her final moments, she remained a stalwart, pioneering advocate for women and marginalized communities, carving an indelible path for future leaders.
Upon repatriation of Minister Khadija’s body in Somalia, she was received with solemnity and reverence by government officials, colleagues, and the general public. The national burial ceremony was organized to pay tribute to her life, achievements, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of hope, progress, and justice.
The national burial ceremony became a moment of collective mourning and reflection for the entire nation, transcending political divides and emphasizing unity in honouring a leader who had left an indelible mark on Somali society.
As the Horn of Africa navigates complex geopolitical shifts, forums for thoughtful discourse like the one hosted in Djibouti become increasingly invaluable.
They represent unique opportunities to plant the seeds of understanding and cooperation that may blossom into greater stability for the region. Much like the azure waters surrounding Djibouti, these intellectual forums are a melting pot where perspectives converge to shape new currents of progress.
The sustained dedication of all involved serves as a testaent that, even amid turmoil, the human desire for positive change endures.
By facilitating this impactful exchange of ideas, Djibouti reaffirms its vital role as an anchor of visionary leadership in the Horn of Africa.