The College of Engineering, Computing and IT at the University of Hargeisa successfully hosted an insightful guest lecture titled “Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Groundwater Management: Lessons from India” on Monday, 2 November 2026, at the Auditorium Hall of the School of Graduate Studies.
The lecture was delivered by Dr. Henrik Bregnhøj, a Danish Environmental Engineer and Education Consultant with over 30 years of professional experience in water supply, water quality, sanitation, and environmental engineering.
The academic session provided an opportunity for students, engineering graduates, professionals, and individuals interested in environmental sustainability to explore practical approaches to climate change adaptation and sustainable groundwater resource management, drawing on international experiences and lessons from India.
The lecture was officially opened by Dr. Abdirisak Mohamed Abdillahi, Dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and IT, who welcomed the guest speaker and participants to the academic event.
The opening of the session highlighted the College’s commitment to promoting academic engagement, knowledge exchange, and opportunities for students and professionals to learn from international expertise.
The guest lecture formed part of the College’s efforts to connect academic knowledge with practical engineering challenges, particularly in areas related to environmental sustainability, water resource management, and climate resilience.
During the lecture, Dr. Henrik Bregnhøj addressed the interconnected challenges of climate change, groundwater availability, and sustainable water resource management.
Drawing on his extensive professional background and international experience, the session focused on practical engineering approaches and lessons from India that can inform strategies for strengthening climate resilience and managing groundwater resources sustainably.
The lecture explored the importance of understanding how changing climatic conditions influence water availability and the need for effective planning, sustainable groundwater use, and appropriate engineering interventions.
Particular attention was given to the relevance of international experiences in informing locally appropriate approaches to environmental challenges, including the sustainable utilisation and protection of groundwater resources.
The session also emphasised the importance of integrating engineering knowledge, environmental considerations, and long-term resource planning when addressing climate-related water challenges.
Groundwater plays an essential role in supporting domestic water supplies, agricultural activities, and broader socioeconomic development in Somaliland. Ensuring its sustainable management is increasingly important in the context of climate variability, recurrent droughts, and growing demand for water resources.
By examining lessons from India, the lecture offered an opportunity to consider how experiences from other regions can contribute to discussions on sustainable groundwater management and climate adaptation in Somaliland.
The session provided a platform for connecting international engineering knowledge with environmental challenges relevant to the local context, reinforcing the importance of research-informed decision-making, professional collaboration, and sustainable resource management.
For Civil Engineering students and graduates, the lecture offered valuable perspectives on the relationship between engineering practice, environmental protection, and climate resilience.
The guest lecture was organised for Civil Engineering students, engineering graduates, professionals from related disciplines, and other individuals interested in climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability.
The event reflected the College’s broader commitment to enriching students’ academic experiences through specialised lectures, professional engagement, and exposure to international expertise.
Such academic initiatives contribute to strengthening the connection between theoretical learning and practical professional applications while encouraging students and graduates to explore emerging challenges and solutions within the engineering and environmental sectors.
Through the organisation of this guest lecture, the University of Hargeisa continues to promote academic excellence, professional development, and knowledge exchange in areas that contribute to sustainable development.
The event also aligns with the University’s wider commitment to encouraging research, innovation, and academic discussions on environmental sustainability and climate-related challenges.
The College of Engineering, Computing and IT remains committed to creating opportunities for students, graduates, and professionals to engage with international expertise, strengthen their technical understanding, and contribute to sustainable engineering solutions for Somaliland and beyond.
