1st International Research Conference 16th to 17th December 2025
Theme: “Transformative Research for Sustainable Development: Global Innovations, Local Solutions”
Hosted by: University of Hargeisa
Date: 16th and 17th December 2025
Venue: University of Hargeisa, Somaliland
Conference Overview
The University of Hargeisa will hold the 1st International Research Conference 2025 and invites researchers, academics, policymakers, practitioners, and innovators from around the world to submit abstracts. This conference builds on the outcomes of the First National Research Conference and its resulting policy briefs, offering a platform for global knowledge exchange to address pressing challenges in health, governance, education, climate action, and economic transformation. The conference will explore how innovative, evidence-based approaches can be scaled globally while rooted in local realities to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Conference Objectives
The conference aims to:
- Showcase cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research addressing global and local development challenges.
- Foster international collaborations and partnerships for knowledge exchange and innovation.
- Translate research evidence into actionable policies and practices.
- Strengthen capacity for research-informed decision-making across sectors.
- Highlight solutions that combine global insights with local innovation for sustainable impact.
Main Theme:
“Transformative Research for Sustainable Development: Global Innovations, Local Solutions”
Thematic Areas
1. Population Health and Social Well-being
Research addressing health equity, quality of care, social determinants of health, and inclusive well-being.
Suggested topics include:
- Innovations in maternal, newborn, and child health
- Mental health integration in primary care
- Health system strengthening and emergency care
- Nutrition and food security
- Community engagement and risk communication
- Gender equity in health access and decision-making
2. Sustainable Development and Economic Transformation
Research on inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable livelihoods.
Suggested topics include:
- Rural development strategies and economic diversification
- Climate-smart agriculture and livestock management
- Digital economy and fintech innovations
- Renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure
- Governance and public-private partnerships for sustainable development
3. Education, Innovation, and Human Capital
Research transforming education through inclusivity, technology, and skills development.
Suggested topics include:
- Digital transformation in education
- STEM education and innovation in teaching
- Gender equity in education access and attainment
- Lifelong learning and skills development
- Education policy, leadership, and institutional capacity building
4. Governance, Peacebuilding, and International Engagement
Research strengthening governance frameworks, peacebuilding, and international cooperation.
Suggested topics include:
- Democratic governance and electoral integrity
- Public sector reform and accountability
- Security and conflict resolution
- Diplomacy, foreign relations, and non-traditional partnerships
- Leadership and ethical governance
5. Climate Action, Environment, and Resilience
Research advancing climate adaptation and environmental sustainability.
Suggested topics include:
- Climate-smart agriculture and water management
- Renewable energy and clean technology adoption
- Disaster risk reduction and resilience building
- Sustainable environmental management policies
- Community-based climate adaptation initiatives
Submission Guidelines
Authors are invited to submit abstracts of up to 300 words, clearly indicating:
- Title of the paper
- Author(s) name(s) and affiliation(s)
- Thematic area
- Background, objectives, methodology, key findings, and implications
- Keywords (up to 5)
Submission deadline: 7th November 2025
Notification of acceptance: 17th November 2025
Full paper deadline: 24th November 2025
Submission Link: To be Shared
All submissions will undergo peer review. Selected papers will be presented at the conference and considered for publication in a conference proceedings volume or thematic special issues of UoH academic journal.
Conference Outputs
The conference will produce:
- Peer-reviewed proceedings
- Policy briefs for decision-makers
- Research collaboration networks
- Funding proposal concepts for future research initiatives
- A conference declaration outlining research priorities for sustainable development
Contact Information
Conference Secretariat
University of Hargeisa
Email: researchconference@uoh.edu.so
Website: www.rpcs.uoh-edu.net
The Microsoft CMT service was used for managing the peer-reviewing process for this conference. This service was provided for free by Microsoft and they bore all expenses, including costs for Azure cloud services as well as for software development and support.