Our first goal is policymaking, that is, always better informed.
We do not advocate for policymakers to copy-paste policy recommendations put forward by an expert -no matter how brilliant the expert may be- or to scale-up all successful interventions –no matter how convincing is the idea which evaluated it. That is because we aim to offer services and advice based on well-grounded facts aimed at pushing our society forward through research-based decision making.
Informed policies are not the same as policies influenced by research only. We believe that policymakers’ decisions must be informed by evidence (which may or may not be contested -but should be debated) but that, ultimately, the choices they make are a matter of values (which should be publicly held). Evidence can only tell us what is (or what was) but not what to do. That way, we can identify deep-rooted causes, impacts, effects, challenges, and opinions that affect Somalia and the region’s progress.
We believe that we need credible, sustainable, connected, and ethical policy research communities worldwide to achieve this. That is why we have a team of diverse experts with an interdisciplinary background. Their characteristics reflect a deep understanding of the nature of national and regional political regimes, development planning and strategies, conflict prevention and resolution, civil societies, youths, and women empowerment approach.