HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn Post) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro on Thursday opened the first National Cultural Conference of Somaliland at the Mansoor Hotel in Hargeisa.
The two-day conference, organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture and National Guidance, brings together government officials, poets, writers and other cultural figures. Participants will discuss the role of culture in shaping Somaliland’s identity and society.
The ministry, led by Ahmed-Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle, organized the event to promote public discussion about the country’s cultural heritage, language, literature and social values.
President Irro Highlights the Importance of Culture
In his opening address, President Irro described culture as a foundation of national identity, social unity and continuity between generations.
He said culture shapes the values, behaviour and beliefs that hold a society together.
“Culture is the spirit of the existence of society. It is the basis of genealogy and the image of the nation. It is the thread that connects us to previous generations so that we do not become divided. It guides our values, our behaviour and our religion,” the President said.
Irro also highlighted the importance of preserving Somaliland’s traditional way of life. He said the country’s cultural identity reflects its pastoral history, Islamic faith and traditions passed down through generations.
“Our culture is rooted in our traditional way of life. It is not simply imported from outside. It tells the story of our pastoral society, our Islamic faith and the heritage passed down by our ancestors over thousands of years,” he said.
President Calls for Protection of Somaliland’s Cultural Heritage
The President also highlighted the role of language and poetry in preserving Somaliland’s cultural identity.
He said respect, good manners and knowledge form important parts of the society’s traditional values. He also pointed to the Somali language, particularly poetry, as a major tool through which earlier generations preserved their history and traditions.
Somaliland has a rich oral literary tradition. Poetry has long played a role in recording historical events, expressing social values and passing knowledge between generations.
President Irro said he expected the conference to produce practical ideas for strengthening and protecting the country’s cultural heritage.
He called on participants to help develop a shared approach to preserving cultural values and passing them on to younger generations.
The President also stressed the need to ensure that future generations understand the importance of their history, language and traditions.
Nine Key Themes on the Conference Agenda
The National Cultural Conference will examine nine major themes. These topics cover different aspects of Somaliland’s social and cultural life.
The agenda includes:
Culture and heritage: The importance of preserving traditional values and historical identity.
Marriage and culture: The relationship between marriage customs and cultural traditions.
Tribalism and discrimination: The effects of clan-based divisions and discrimination on society.
Modernity and cultural influence: How modern lifestyles and external influences affect traditional values.
Knowledge and culture: The relationship between education, knowledge and cultural development.
Language and literature: The role of language, poetry and literature in preserving identity.
Livestock, agriculture and historical heritage: The place of traditional livelihoods and history in Somaliland’s cultural identity.
Child-rearing and culture: The influence of cultural values on raising and educating children.
Politics and culture: The relationship between political life, national identity and social values.
These discussions aim to examine how Somaliland can preserve its heritage while responding to social and cultural changes.
Government Officials and Cultural Figures Attend
The opening ceremony brought together members of Somaliland’s Council of Ministers, the Mayor of Hargeisa, poets and other public figures.
Several participants also delivered speeches on the importance of cultural preservation and the role of national institutions in supporting the arts and literature.
In addition, the programme featured theatrical performances that presented aspects of Somaliland’s culture and traditional way of life.
The conference is expected to continue for two days, providing a platform for participants to exchange views and discuss ways to protect and promote the country’s cultural heritage.
Horn Post Staff Reporter
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