Having held its first international meeting in Istanbul in 2014 and then in Kigali in 2015 and Mogadishu in 2016, the Global Somali Diaspora (GSD) is holding its fourth meeting in Istanbul with support from Yunus Emre Institute.

The GSD has been established to improve contact and communication among about three million Somalis living in the diaspora, ensure that they join forces to solve their common problems, create various opportunities and make sure that they can contribute to their homeland. The GSD meeting will be held at Pullman Hotel between June 15 and 16.

The GSD meeting to which Turkey lends public diplomacy support as part of its global human development goals will be attended by Somali-born Swedish Member of Parliament Leila Ali, Somali Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Mohammed Gulaid Khadar, Somali Ministers, Somali scientists and opinion leaders.

“Nabadoon”: Deal with art…

As part of the event, the opening of the Somali Cultural Exhibition will be performed at Taksim Art Gallery in the evening of June 14. The exhibition, organized by the GSD and Somali Culture Association in cooperation with Yunus Emre Institute, showcases modern paintings and antiques portraying Somalia's culture, nature and nomadic life. The exhibition entitled 'Nabadoon' (Deal with art, have friends, and stand up against) will be open to visitors until July 7, 2019.

On the last day of the event which welcomes senior government officials, academics and opinion leaders from many countries around the world, the participants will have an opportunity to enjoy the history and cultural assets of Istanbul with a city tour.