Background
Umbrella for Somali Region Intellectuals (USRI) is nonpolitical, non-profit making intellectual organization founded by Somali intellectuals in December 7, 2018 for the main purpose of serving the community of the region and contributing to the overall development endeavors in the Somali region and in the country in general. The intellectuals has been shunned the participation in political, social and economic debates within the country which is believed has denied the region and the country in general an opportunity to benefit from the vital contributions intellectuals make in terms of knowledge and ideas that contribute towards producing an informed citizenry that is able to participate in the country’s democracy and development effectively. USRI was established in December 7, 2018 in Somali Region and since its establishment, the organization has been providing voluntary services to the community it hails from. The organization has now 2 full time staff running the day to day activities of the office and 13 board members with oversight responsibilities.
Vision
To see a better future for the people of the Somali region in terms of education, socio-economy, culture, and politics.
Mission
USRI enhances knowledge and awareness of the community through mobilizing the existing capacities in the region for proper utilization of the available resources/To mobilize the people and other resources available for the benefit of present and future generations.
Objectives
The main objectives of USRI are as follows: • To organize and encourage the regional intellectuals to constructively share their knowledge and ideas toward the democracy and development of the region • To enhance the political and socio-economic awareness of the community and building the capacity to understand their constitutional rights and responsibilities • To promote community relationship building, conflict resolution and peace building efforts and initiatives in the region and the country in general • To promote the human rights of the community in general and that of the minority groups, women, children and disabled people.