Our story
Global Somali Diaspora (GSD) is a global not-for-profit organization working to bring together and mobilize members of the Somali Diaspora for positive action. GSD advocates and promotes the full integration of Somali Diaspora communities within their host nations while also remaining connected to their cultural heritage. GSD encourages the members of Somalia’s international community to contribute to their homeland by promoting peacebuilding, reconciliation, reconstruction, and development efforts in Somalia.
Established in 2014, after participants convened in a conference in Istanbul, Turkey, today GSD has representatives from Somali communities around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark as well as other countries in Africa and Asia.
It is a foundational belief of GSD that a connected and unified Somali diaspora offers great opportunities to meet the challenges of their host countries, while also playing a strong and positive role in the rebuilding of Somalia.
Our Mission
GSD has been established to advocate, implement, and support projects, programs and initiatives that advance the cultural and social development of Somali diaspora communities, as well as make a positive contribution to the rebuilding of Somalia.
Our Vision
To empower members of the Somali diaspora to realize their full potential while also empowering them to contribute to the building of harmonious, cohesive, educated, informed, creative, powerful, and prosperous communities both in their host nations and their homeland.
Our Objectives
GSD seeks to mobilize, organize, and empower Somali communities living in the diaspora. We want to provide a platform to improve communication and ties between members of the global Somali diaspora and serve as a focal point of action and advocacy on issues of importance to their communities. We will also promote the language, culture, and heritage of the Somali people, as well as enhance the capacity and skills of young Somalis living in Somalia and in the diaspora. Lastly, GSD aims to contribute greatly to the development and rebuilding of Somalia.