Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Department of Culture, in partnership with the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan, organised the fifth South Sudan Arabic Poetry Forum in Juba.
According to Emirates News Agency, the theme of the forum was 'Sharjah's planting bears poetry and authenticity in Africa,' which saw participation from 15 poets alongside officials, intellectuals, academics, and literature enthusiasts. This event is part of a broader series of Arab Poetry Forums held across Africa to bolster Sharjah's cultural mission of promoting the Arabic language, encouraging literary talent, and fostering interaction between creatives in Africa and the Arab world. These initiatives aim to support cultural and literary exchanges, reinforcing Arabic poetry as a medium of communication and connection between diverse cultures.
The forum witnessed the presence of significant figures including Sarah Nyirath, Minister of Culture, Heritage and National Museums of South Sudan; members of the Shura Council of the Islamic Council; members of the General Secretariat of the National Islamic Council; Dr Mohammed Gai, President of the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan and General Coordinator of the forum; in addition to university professors, intellectuals, and writers.
Minister Sarah Nyirath emphasized the forum's role in advancing Arab culture and poetry in South Sudan, lauding Sharjah's contributions to promoting the Arabic language and culture throughout Africa. She described these efforts as cultural bridges and platforms that uncover the creative talents of the younger generations. The Minister underscored the strong ties between the United Arab Emirates and South Sudan, advocating for continued collaboration in cultural and knowledge fields to enhance the literary landscape and amplify the Arabic language's influence. She also urged for the translation of poetic works into local languages and English to reach broader audiences and increase awareness of South Sudan's literary endeavors.
Dr Mohammed Gai, President of the Union of Muslim Scholars of South Sudan and General Coordinator of the forum, expressed his gratitude for Sharjah's unwavering support for Arabic language and poetry within South Sudan. He affirmed that hosting the fifth edition of the forum underscores the ongoing nature of this cultural initiative and its significant impact on the local literary environment.
Dr Mohammed Gai elaborated on the forum's theme, highlighting how it mirrors the increasing prominence of poetry and the Arabic language, as well as the opportunities it creates for creatives to connect and share their expertise. He pointed out that the forum has grown into a vital cultural event for poets and Arabic language enthusiasts in South Sudan.
Through its continued editions in South Sudan, the forum sustains poetic and cultural activities while enhancing communication among poets and intellectuals. This aligns with Sharjah's vision of employing culture as a bridge between communities, reinforcing the Arabic language's presence across Africa, and nurturing new generations of creatives and those passionate about Arabic literature.