By Goth Mohamed Goth
The President of the Republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), today attended the opening ceremony of the National-Level Cultural Conference of the Republic of Somaliland, held at the Mansoor Hotel, which will continue for two days.
This conference, the first of its kind to be held in Somaliland, was organized with great significance by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and National Awareness of the Republic of Somaliland, led by Minister Sheikh Ahmed-Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayaanle.
The Somaliland Cultural Conference is a focused event aimed at examining and strengthening the way of life of Somaliland society in general, particularly matters of importance and relevance to the people of Somaliland in terms of culture, traditions, language, creativity, literature, and arts. Specifically, the National Cultural Conference will revolve around nine key themes:
- The Importance of Culture and Traditions,
- Marriage and Culture,
- Tribalism and Social Cohesion,
- Modernity and the Influence on Culture,
- Justice and Culture,
- Language and Literature,
- Livestock, Agriculture, and Crafts,
- Child Rearing and Culture,
- Politics and Culture.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland delivered a historic speech on the platform, touching on many aspects, stating that this forum is of immense value as it allows us to reflect on our cultural heritage as a nation and better understand the times we live in. The President emphasized that this Cultural Conference provides a comprehensive vision of the best way to develop our future while benefiting from our rich culture.
Speaking on the relationship between culture and the existence of society, the President said:
“Culture is the soul of a society’s existence. It is the foundation of ancestry and the identity of a nation. It is the bridge connecting us to our forefathers, ensuring we do not drift apart. It is the compass that guides our values, customs, and religion.”
Additionally, while discussing the originality of our authentic culture, the President stated:
“Our culture is an inherently native heritage, not imported from external societies. It is a culture deeply rooted in our nomadic way of life, our Islamic faith, and the narratives embedded in our traditions—stories that reflect the wisdom of thousands of years passed down by our ancestors.”
Speaking on the honor and unique virtues of our culture, the President remarked:
“Our culture is renowned for its emphasis on honor, good manners, and deep wisdom. Its vessel has been our language, particularly the poetry preserved by our forefathers, which is among the greatest reasons our linguistic heritage remains unbroken.”
In conclusion, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi expressed his hope that the Cultural Conference will yield fruitful results, serving as a starting point for the positive transformation we, as a nation, seek to reinforce—preserving, protecting, and showcasing our culture while ensuring it is passed down to future generations.
