Guest speaker in an embroidered black abaya gesturing with a microphone on the Astaan Talk stage, her portrait displayed in a large circle on the glowing magenta LED screen behind her
Astaan Talk
Program Profile

Astaan
Talk

Igniting Change Through Everyday Actions

Astaan Talk01 · Overview & Concept
Speaker in a navy shirt addressing the audience with a microphone in front of an enormous magenta LED wall carrying the Astaan Talk waveform logo

A platform where knowledge and public conversation meet

Astaan Talk is an inspirational and knowledge-sharing talk series created to empower individuals and communities in Somalia to create positive change through everyday actions.

The program provides a platform for experts, academics, entrepreneurs, professionals, changemakers, and individuals with inspiring personal experiences to share knowledge, practical ideas, and stories with the public.

Astaan Talk officially started on 29 November 2022 and has developed into a diverse platform covering education, health, technology, entrepreneurship, personal development, environment, economics, and national development.

Astaan Talk is built around the idea that meaningful change can begin with knowledge, conversation, personal responsibility, and everyday action.

The program brings important issues closer to the Somali public and creates opportunities for audiences to learn directly from people with professional and lived experience.

Rather than a lecture program, Astaan Talk combines

  • Expert presentations
  • Personal storytelling
  • Public discussion
  • Question & Answer sessions
  • Practical advice
  • Awareness and knowledge sharing
Astaan Talk02 · Key Areas Covered

Seven fields, one question: what can we change today?

Over its programming history, Astaan Talk has addressed a wide range of issues relevant to Somali society.

01

Personal Development

Professional skills · Personal growth · Self-learning · Mental well-being · Overcoming personal challenges

02

Education & Skills

The relationship between primary and higher education · Learning English independently · Skills development · Skills as a response to unemployment

03

Health

Cancer awareness · Eye health · Dental health · Mental health and well-being

04

Technology & Innovation

Artificial Intelligence · Technology and development · Digital opportunities

05

Economy & Entrepreneurship

Tourism and economic development · Skills-based income opportunities · Investment and future development · Natural resources and mining

06

Environment

Environmental protection · The relationship between environmental sustainability and livelihoods

07

Society & National Development

Somalia's image and international perception · Regional integration · Community participation · Human development

Panelist in glasses seated on stage under a purple and red wash, writing notes in a notebook
Guest speaker in a floral headscarf gesturing mid-discussion on stage, framed by a magenta LED backdrop with a Somali session title
Astaan Talk03 · Episodes & Speakers · 1–18

Since its launch, the program has featured a diverse group of speakers and topics.

01

Dr. Abdihamid Sh. Ibrahim, MD, MBA, MSc (Oxford)

Gaalkacyo ilaa Oxford

A personal and professional journey highlighting education, ambition, and achievement.

02

Leyla Ugbaad

Xirfadda Saxaafadda iyo Horumarinta Shaqsiyadda Qofka

Focused on journalism skills and personal development.

03

Shukri Baffo

Sidee loogu baran karaa luuqadda Ingiriiska si iskaa ah?

Explored practical approaches to learning English independently.

04

Dr. Hodan Osman

Horumarinta Bini'aadamka iyo Maalgashiga Mustaqbalka

Focused on human development and investment in the future.

05

Maxamed Muuse

Sidee xirfaduhu xal ugu noqon karaan shaqo la'aanta?

Explored how skills development can help address unemployment.

06

Osman Hosow

Sidee lacag looga sameeyaa xirfadda muuqaal sameynta?

Focused on monetizing videography and visual production skills.

07

Mohamed Haaruun

Maxaan ka faa'iiday indha la'aanta?

An inspirational discussion about transforming personal challenges into strength and opportunity.

08

Prof. Xasan Cali Xuseen

Maxaa hortaagan in la soo saaro kheyraadka macdanta ee Soomaaliya?

Explored Somalia's mineral resources and the challenges surrounding their development.

09

Dr. Aweys Cabdullaahi Shiikh

Khatarta cudurka Kansarku ku hayo Soomaalida

Focused on cancer awareness and its impact on Somali communities.

Guest speaker Leyla Ugbaad in a navy headscarf speaking into a microphone on stage before a pink LED screen announcing her session
Presenter in a white shirt pointing at slides on a large screen, with the Astaan Talk waveform logo glowing on the pink stage wall beside him

Episodes & Speakers · 10–18

10

Dr. Dalmar

Caafimaadka Indhaha iyo Fahamka Bulshada

Discussed eye health and public awareness.

11

Eng. Abdirizak Warsame

Artificial Intelligence

Introduced audiences to AI and its growing relevance.

12

Dr. Filsan Axmed Nuur

Khatarta ka dhalan karta ilkaha oo aan si sax ah loo xiran

Focused on dental health and the risks associated with improper dental treatment.

13

Dr. Abdinur Ali Mohamed

Danta Soomaaliya maxay ku jirtaa: Ma ku biiristaa mise ka joogista Bulshada Bariga Afrika?

Explored Somalia's regional interests and relationship with the East African Community.

14

Abukar Mukhtar Omar

Xiriirka Tayo ee ka Dhexeeya Waxbarashada Hoose iyo Tan Sare

Discussed the relationship between the quality of primary and higher education.

15

Yasir Baffo

Sidee Dalxiisku uga Mid Noqon Karaa Kobcinta Dhaqaalaha Soomaaliya?

Explored tourism as a potential contributor to Somalia's economic growth.

16

Abdilatif Haye

Isku-xirnaanta Ilaalinta Degaanka iyo Nolosheenna

Focused on the connection between environmental protection and people's livelihoods.

17

Abdishukri Heybe

Gudbinta Sawirka Wanaagsan ee Soomaaliya

Explored how Somalia's positive stories and image can be communicated to wider audiences.

18

Rowda Olad

Caafimaadka Nafta iyo Dhawrista Badqabka Maskaxda

Focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and personal care.

Speaker in a gray suit seated on stage with a microphone under dramatic red and pink lighting, a virtual library glowing on the LED wall
Guest speaker Dr. Abdinur Ali Mohamed seated before the audience, his name and Somali session title displayed on the purple LED screen behind him
Astaan Talk04 · Program Impact

Astaan Talk has created a space where knowledge and public conversation meet.

Its impact can be seen across several areas.

Empowering Individuals

The program exposes audiences to practical knowledge, professional experiences, and inspirational personal journeys.

Promoting Skills

Several episodes have highlighted the importance of developing marketable skills as a pathway toward employment, entrepreneurship, and economic independence.

Increasing Public Awareness

Health, environmental, educational, and social issues have been presented in accessible formats that encourage public understanding.

Connecting Experts with Communities

Astaan Talk creates a direct bridge between specialists and the wider public, making professional knowledge more accessible.

Encouraging Positive Perspectives

The program gives space to stories that challenge negative perceptions and highlight Somalia's potential, talent, knowledge, and opportunities.

Creating Digital Knowledge

Through recording and online distribution, the conversations become digital resources that can continue reaching audiences beyond the original event.

Packed auditorium of young audience members in teal-lit seats with orange wall accents, listening to an Astaan Talk speaker

A full house in Mogadishu — experts and audience in the same room.

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Astaan Talk05 · Evolution & Key Statistics

From a talk platform into a knowledge, awareness and inspiration series

Since its launch on 29 November 2022, Astaan Talk has developed from a talk platform into a broader knowledge, awareness, and inspiration series.

Its topics demonstrate the diversity of issues affecting Somali society — from health and education to AI, tourism, environment, entrepreneurship, skills development, and national development.

The program's strength lies in its ability to connect people, ideas, expertise, and practical solutions in a format that is accessible to Somali audiences.

CategoryDetails
ProgramAstaan Talk
ThemeIgniting Change Through Everyday Actions
Launch Date29 November 2022
FormatInspirational & educational talks
SpeakersExperts, academics, professionals, entrepreneurs & changemakers
Core AreasEducation, health, technology, skills, environment, economy & society
AudienceSomali youth, professionals, entrepreneurs & general public
DistributionDigital and social media platforms

Digital Publication & Video Reference

Astaan Talk episodes were published digitally through Astaan's online platforms, allowing the discussions to reach audiences beyond the original recording or live presentation.

YouTube Playlist / Episode Reference: Watch Astaan Talk on YouTube

Host in a blue suit seated with a laptop on the Astaan Talk set, in front of a magenta virtual-library LED wall with the waveform wordmark
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