As part of the 3is project’s mission to empower higher education institutions in remote regions of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, a dedicated delegation comprising representatives from the University of Girona (UdG), Kenyatta University, and Youthmakers Hub (YMH) embarked on a transformative visit to Puntland State University (PSU) in Puntland, Somalia.

This strategic mission aimed to deepen institutional partnerships, build academic capacities, and unlock regional collaboration opportunities in Puntland, a region often overlooked in international academic development.

Throughout the week-long engagement, the delegation facilitated a series of high-impact activities. This included discussions with PSU leadership which explored future academic cooperation, joint degree programs, and Erasmus+ partnerships. In addition, training sessions took place with the objective to equip faculty and staff with tools for EU project engagement, proposal development, and international collaboration.

During the trip, the team visited KAALO Aid & Development, the Peace and Development Research Center (PDRC), and rural communities to see first-hand various local innovation and social development efforts.

Youth engagement is absolutely central to the 3is project because young people are not just beneficiaries of higher education reform, they’re the drivers of future transformation in their communities, institutions, and regions. This is why the turnout of over 100 students and recent graduates at a dynamic mentorship session was so powerful. For many of these young people, this opportunity, which focused on EU scholarships, youth mobility programs, and international learning pathways, was the first time they’d been able to attend such an event.

Lastly, the visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PSU and UdG, formalizing a new era of cooperation in research, innovation, and capacity building.

This milestone journey reaffirms the 3is project’s commitment to transforming higher education in traditionally underrepresented areas through inclusive, grassroots, and internationalized approaches. It also underscores the stability and potential of Puntland as a fertile ground for long-term academic and developmental engagement.