NLA Executive Study Tour in Singapore

For four days in Singapore, a delegation from the National Leadership Academy Somalia (NLA) and the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Transformational Governance Project (TGP) stepped beyond their familiar context to explore new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to leadership and professional learning. Led by NLA Executive Director, Ms. Hodhan Noor, the delegation participated in an Executive Leadership Study Tour hosted in collaboration with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) and institutions within the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The study tour offered more than an opportunity to observe different institutions and systems. It created a space for participants to engage with diverse approaches to executive education, public-sector leadership, youth development, adult learning, digital education, and case-based policy learning. Through these engagements, the delegation exchanged perspectives and gained insights into how institutions can foster continuous learning, strengthen professional capacity, and develop leaders equipped to respond to changing public-sector needs.

For the National Leadership Academy, the experience was particularly relevant to its work of contributing to the development of effective and capable leaders in Somalia. Exposure to different models of leadership development encouraged participants to reflect on what can be learned, adapted, and applied within the Somali context. The experience highlighted the value of looking beyond borders—not to replicate another country’s approach, but to understand different possibilities and consider how relevant lessons can inform Somalia’s own leadership and institutional development journey.

The programme concluded with participants receiving certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the study tour. As the delegation returned home, they carried with them not only new knowledge and perspectives, but also reflections that can contribute to the continued development of leadership capacity and professional learning in Somalia.

The National Leadership Academy Somalia extends its appreciation to Sweden and UNDP Somalia for their support through the Somalia Transformational Governance Project, which made this learning opportunity possible. The study tour reflects the value of investing in people, knowledge exchange, and continuous learning as Somalia works to strengthen the leaders and institutions that will shape its future.