March 2, 2016, Washington D.C. – Turkic American Alliance (TAA), in collaboration with Somali Forward Foundation (SFF) organized a reception and dinner at the TAA headquarters with the Somali community. The dinner program was attended by almost 40 people — representatives and leaders from both the Turkish and Somali communities.
The program began with opening remarks by Lamija Silajdzic, Program Director of TAA, who presented on TAA’s activities in Washington D.C. and across the United States. Thereafter, Ozkur Yildiz, President of West American Turkic Council discussed the relationship between the Turkish and Somali community within his member federation.
Dr. Semiha Topal, Professor at Fatih Universitesi presented on the role women and the community can play in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ways of orienting civil initiatives in creating efficient results. She encouraged the establishment of Private Public Partnership and increased support by state subsidiaries in bringing issues of children and girls to the forefront to allow them to achieve their full potential.
Mohammed Ali, Executive Director of SFF commended TAA for its involvement with the Somali and African communities and highlighted the organization’s strategic goals as it pertains to the development of Somalia, including its role in building bridges and promoting trade.
Hon. Sahra Ali Samantar, Minister of Women and Human Rights shared her experiences and challenges of her role as the minister, including a brief history and potential of Somalia. She stressed the need to “create policies that protect citizens” and involving communities, government and religious organizations in this effort. In addition, she called for increased engagement in women empowerment, education and health.
