The University of Hargeisa, in collaboration with the Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC), officially launched the BSU IV Annual Meeting on June 3rd, 2025, at Ambassador Hotel, Hargeisa. The event brings together academic leaders from partner institutions in the Global South and Denmark to deepen collaboration in higher education, research, and institutional development.

Participants include representatives from Gulu University (Uganda), the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), and the University of Hargeisa, alongside Danish partners from the University of Copenhagen, Roskilde University, the University of Southern Denmark, and Aalborg University. The meeting focuses on strengthening research capacity, promoting South–South–North collaboration, and addressing pressing development challenges through academia.

The opening ceremony was led by Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Sulub, President of the University of Hargeisa, who emphasized BSU IV’s alignment with the university’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. Dr. Sa’ad Ali Shire, Chairperson of the Board, acknowledged DFC’s long-standing support and highlighted the initiative’s role in driving national development through research and innovation.

Prof. David Okello Owiny (Gulu University) and Dr. Fuad Abdi Obsiye (University of Hargeisa) reflected on the transformative potential of BSU IV, calling for shared vision and commitment to academic excellence across the Global South. The session was moderated by Dr. Soheir Hassan Ahmed, Director of the School of Graduate Studies at UoH.

Key contributions were made by Khalid Ahmed Abdi (UoH BSU IV Coordinator), Dr. Hamad H. Issa (SUZA BSU-IV Cooordinator), and Dr. Agatha Alidri (Gulu University BSU-IV Coordinator), they emphasized on the progress made in enhancing local ownership, strengthening research systems, and deepening institutional transformation

On behalf of the Danida Fellowship Centre, Marie Gry Torup Ildvedsen, Program Manager, delivered a heartfelt address celebrating the long standing partnership. She reaffirmed DFC’s commitment to the collaborations. From the University of Copenhagen, Michael Alfrangis echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the richness of cross-cultural dialogue and the importance of centering local perspectives in global research efforts.

As discussions continue on building stronger Universities, the BSU IV program stands as a model of inclusive and transformative collaboration placing the Global South at the heart of global academic progress.