Abdullahi Alim

Abdullahi is a community specialist focussed on social engagement in the Middle East and Africa, working for the World Economic Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. Abdullahi came to Australia as a Somali refugee at the age of five. Now, through the Lighthouse Strategy, he runs ‘hackathons’ – fast-paced and intense exercises that bring bright young innovators together to develop solutions to global challenges. Abdullahi’s approach has attracted partners from the Australian Government to Google and the US Department of State. For example, MYHACK, an anti-extremism hackathon he coordinates, has seen young Australians create cutting-edge digital solutions to undermine the influence and pervasive appeal of violent extremist propaganda. Abdullahi’s goal is to create hubs or ‘lighthouses’ around the world to promote social impact and youth entrepreneurship. He’s set his sights on innovation challenges to empower more young Australians to solve international issues including the global refugee crisis and Indigenous disadvantage in the West.