Sat. Aug 16th, 2025

In a historic event, South Sudan recently hosted the Arab Poetry Forum, bringing together renowned poets and literary figures from across the Arab world. The forum aimed to promote cultural exchange, understanding, and unity among Arab nations. The event was attended by prominent poets, writers, and intellectuals from various Arab countries, including Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. The forum featured a series of poetry recitals, workshops, and discussions, showcasing the rich literary heritage of the Arab world. The event also provided a platform for South Sudanese poets to share their work and connect with their Arab counterparts. The Arab Poetry Forum was organized by the South Sudanese Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Arab League and other cultural institutions. The forum was held in the capital city of Juba, which was decorated with colorful banners and posters showcasing Arabic calligraphy and poetry. The event was inaugurated by the South Sudanese Minister of Culture, who emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation among Arab nations. The minister also highlighted the significance of poetry in Arab culture, saying it is a powerful tool for expressing emotions, ideas, and values. The forum featured a range of activities, including poetry recitals, workshops, and panel discussions. The participants discussed various topics, including the role of poetry in promoting social justice, the impact of technology on Arabic literature, and the challenges faced by Arab poets in the modern era. The forum also included a special session on the poetry of South Sudan, which showcased the country’s rich literary heritage. The session featured readings and discussions of poems by South Sudanese poets, including works that explored themes of identity, culture, and social justice. The Arab Poetry Forum was widely covered by local and international media, with many outlets praising the event as a significant step towards promoting cultural exchange and unity among Arab nations. The event was also attended by several high-profile guests, including the Arab League’s Secretary-General, who praised the forum as a ‘historic’ event that would help to strengthen ties between Arab countries. The Secretary-General also emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation among Arab nations. The forum concluded with a grand ceremony, which featured a poetry recital by a renowned Arab poet. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of people, including government officials, intellectuals, and members of the public. The event was seen as a major success, with many participants praising the organizers for their efforts in bringing together Arab poets and literary figures from across the region. The Arab Poetry Forum is expected to become an annual event, with plans already underway to host the next forum in another Arab country. The event has also sparked interest in Arabic literature and poetry among South Sudanese youth, with many young people expressing a desire to learn more about the subject. Overall, the Arab Poetry Forum was a groundbreaking event that highlighted the power of poetry to bring people together and promote cultural understanding and exchange. The event demonstrated the strong bonds of culture and heritage that exist among Arab nations, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the literary scene in South Sudan and beyond.

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