The Global Goals Summit 2025, held in Kulanbur, Malaysia, brought together some of the brightest young minds, activists, and leaders from over 90 countries to reignite the global commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The SDGs, adopted in 2015 by all United Nations Member States, comprise 17 interlinked goals designed to combat pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, education, peace, and justice.
This year’s summit served as a timely platform for evaluating progress and catalyzing new initiatives, with a strong focus on youth leadership, inclusive innovation, and community-driven action. Among the distinguished participants, our Director stood out as a passionate voice for climate justice, youth empowerment, and education equity—delivering strong contributions across several key sessions.
YouthSpeakUp Forum: Spotlight on Somali Youth & Climate Action
In a featured session at the Youth SpeakUp Forum, our Director presented an original project titled “Empowering Somali Youth in Climate Action Aligned with the SDGs”. The presentation highlighted how youth in Somalia—one of the countries most vulnerable to climate shocks—are often excluded from formal climate strategies, despite being disproportionately affected by environmental crises such as droughts, floods, and displacement.
The project focused on engaging Somali youth through community education programs, climate clubs, and advocacy training. One of the key insights shared was the importance of localizing climate knowledge to make it relevant and actionable for rural and marginalized communities. The initiative aligns directly with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) and aims to scale across various regions through partnerships with local schools and community leaders.
Leadership Mastermind & Case Study Exchange
During the Masterminds Leadership Session, our Director joined an elite cohort of leaders to examine case studies related to multiculturalism, digital inclusion, and global inequality. The dialogue explored how digital technology can bridge socio-economic divides—but also how it can widen gaps when access and literacy are limited.
The session was particularly impactful in unpacking structural inequalities affecting the Global South, with our Director offering insights on how Somalia’s digital transformation is being shaped by innovation from young entrepreneurs, despite challenges like limited internet infrastructure and educational gaps. These discussions directly support SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
Multicultural Exchange & Performance: Celebrating Diversity Through Dialogue
One of the most vibrant and unifying aspects of the summit was the Multicultural Exchange and Performance event. This session brought together youth leaders from dozens of cultural backgrounds in a celebration of music, dance, storytelling, and traditional expressions. Our Director actively participated in cultural storytelling activities, highlighting Somali heritage, poetry, and indigenous knowledge systems.
This intercultural engagement reinforced the critical role that cultural understanding and shared identity play in building inclusive societies. It emphasized that global cooperation can only thrive when built upon mutual respect and appreciation of diversity—an ethos embedded in SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Teaching Program & Social Project: Supporting Refugees Through Education
In collaboration with the UNHCR, our Director took part in a hands-on Teaching Program and Social Project aimed at supporting displaced and refugee communities. The program included interactive workshops with children and young adults, focused on literacy, creative problem-solving, and vocational training.
Many of the participating refugees faced ongoing barriers to education, including lack of documentation, displacement trauma, and limited access to trained teachers. By sharing innovative teaching tools and engaging with learners directly, our Director emphasized the transformative power of education as a tool for rebuilding dignity and future opportunities. This initiative aligned closely with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 1 (No Poverty).
Awarding & Diplomatic Dinner: Recognizing Youth Impact
The Global Goals Summit culminated in a formal Awarding and Diplomatic Dinner, where outstanding youth leaders were recognized for their impactful contributions to sustainability and community development. Our Director was honored among a select group of changemakers whose work has significantly advanced the SDGs in their countries.
This moment marked not only personal recognition but also global acknowledgment of Somalia’s emerging role in youth-led development. It was a proud and symbolic milestone—demonstrating that leadership, innovation, and courage can flourish even in the face of adversity.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Action Toward SDGs 2030
As we approach the halfway point of the SDG timeline, the urgency to act is greater than ever. Global inequality, climate breakdown, and systemic exclusion continue to threaten the collective goal of a more just and sustainable world. Our Director, through participation in this summit, emphasized that forward-thinking strategies must go beyond declarations and focus on tangible action, inclusive collaboration, and systems-level change.
This includes:
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- Building multi-stakeholder partnerships
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- Investing in youth-led innovation
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- Prioritizing localized and culturally grounded solutions
These strategies not only align with the broader SDG framework but also position communities like Somalia to play a leading role in shaping the future.