CONFERENCE IDENTIFIES THE DILLA-BORAMA ROAD AS A MAJOR PRIOIRTY FOR AWDAL 
On Saturday, July 26, 2008, the Association of Awdal Community of North America, the largest single regional organization of Awdalites in North America, held its 1st annual meeting in Toronto, Canada. With the theme of “ Challenges Ahead: Diaspora Community Leadership and Cohesion”, the conference’s purpose was to increase and strengthen community cohesion and leadership. The 1-day conference also focused on the critical role of Diaspora community on developmental projects in Awdal. In response, participants described the state of the basic infrastructure in Awdal region as a crisis. 
 
The meeting, attended by participants from across North America, included community elders, university professors, representatives from Awdalite NGO’s and others from all walks of life. Panelists discussed issues of importance to the Diaspora community as well as the Awdal region with specific emphasis on the core Priority Projects for AACNA, the recent AACNA Disaster Relief Initiatives, Leadership and Development, Coming Together as a Community with a Common Interest, Non-Profit Organizations Working in the Region (IQRA, Amoud Foundation, Others) and Presentations on Roads and Ports Construction in Awdal region.
 
Finally, Members have passed motions to nominate and approve the new AACNA Board for the 2008-2009 term. As a result, following new Members were nominated to the AACNA Board: 
 
Toronto, ON
Ibrahim bsiye (Chairman of the Board)
Ubax Nur
Xasan Kaamil
Zahra Ibrahim

Ottowa, ON
Mohamed Omar (Gadhwayne)                 
Mustafe Rooble Ugas
Mohamed Dahir Adan
Asha Dahir
Sahra Aw Hassan
Nimco(Xaali) Aadan Muse

Edmonton, AB
Mustafa Abdi Nur
Dallas,TX
Dr Mohamed Daud
Khadra Muhumed Barkhadle

Seattle, WA
Mohamud Abdillahi Iman
Mohamed Xuseen Sayre

Minneapolis, MN
Abiib Xaamud Jibril
Mohamed Abdullahi (Shine)

Chicago,IL
Mohamed A Suldaan
Idiris A Farah
 
DC/Maryland
Mohamed Barako
 
Columbus, OH
Ahmed Osman Kaamil
 
We thank the members of Awdal community in Toronto, Canada for hosting the conference. We also warmly congratulate the New Board and wish them the best of luck! 
 
 
Sincerely,
 
 

Mohamed Alabari
For the former AACNA Board
E-mail: abdiosman2@yahoo.com