Meet the 2024 ATL CONFERENCE State of the nation panelists

Mr. Bashir Goth, the Representative of the Republic of Somaliland to the United States of America:

Goth is a seasoned diplomat, journalist, and a cultural custodian with degrees in English literature and history and advanced diplomas and certifications in communication, change management, conflict resolution and crisis communication.

He is a celebrated poet who writes poetry mainly in Somali but also in English and Arabic.

Dr. Osman Sheikh Ahmed is an economist. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a graduate of the Executive Development Program of Harvard University Business School. As a former official of the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, and the Islamic Development Bank, he has worked in both the public and private sectors in the United States and the Middle East. Dr. Ahmed has also taught economics at several U.S. universities, including American University in Washington D.C., North Carolina Central University, and Elon University. He is the principal economic adviser to the President of Somaliland. Dr. Ahmed has written extensively on economic and social development issues.

Edna Adan Ismail is a trailblazer in healthcare and a staunch advocate for women’s health and rights. As the founder of the Edna Adan Hospital in Somaliland, she has dedicated her life to improving maternal care, and training midwives. Her work has garnered global recognition and numerous accolades.