The Arab Poetry Forums in Africa are held in line with the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to support the Arabic language and strengthen the presence of Arabic poetry across Africa, recognising both as vehicles for raising awareness, fostering dialogue and showcasing poetic talent throughout the continent. The initiative forms part of a broader vision to advance Arab culture and reinforce its role in human development.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr Saleh Berma, Minister Delegate to the Ministry of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation; Abdullah Suleiman, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Handicrafts, representing the Minister of Culture; Mohammed Al Mehairi, Chargé d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Chad; Dr Hussein Massar Hussein, former minister and adviser to the President of the Republic; Hassan Mohammed Abakar, Head of the Youth Corner Programme; members of the scientific committee; directors, university professors, heads of institutions and civil society organisations; and a large audience of Arabic language and literature enthusiasts.

Cultural renaissance

Dr Saleh Berma expressed his deep appreciation to the United Arab Emirates, praising its leading role in supporting Arab culture. He paid particular tribute to the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi in promoting Arabic literature and language, encouraging creative talent and supporting cultural initiatives that have contributed to revitalising Chad's literary scene.

He said that literature in Chad has undergone significant development, reaching a more mature stage in terms of artistic qualities and literary techniques. Classical Arabic has become increasingly prominent in literary works, while the number of poets and writers has expanded, reflecting the country's cultural renaissance.

Berma urged the organisers of the Arab Poetry Forum in Chad to continue discovering new talent, nurturing writers and supporting young creatives, helping to prepare a new generation that will carry forward the banner of literature and culture in service of the Arabic language and the nation.

Abdullah Suleiman also praised Sharjah's civilisational role in serving the Arabic language and literature, commending the sustained efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in promoting Arab culture and supporting creative talent.

He affirmed that Chad's Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Handicrafts places support for culture and literature at the heart of its priorities, in line with the state's vision of fostering intellectual and creative achievement. He added that the ministry would remain a committed partner in supporting meaningful cultural initiatives.

Suleiman also highlighted the close cooperation between the ministry and the Sharjah Department of Culture in organising the literary event, noting that such forums give poets and writers valuable opportunities to celebrate the written word, discover emerging talent and nurture gifted individuals, thereby strengthening the status of Arabic language and literature in Chad.

Professor Al Qasim Mahmoud Zakaria, a member of the forum's scientific committee, praised Sharjah's leading role and the continued support provided by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for the Arabic language, literature and poets. He said these efforts have contributed to the flourishing of Chad's cultural movement and established the Arab Poetry Forum as a leading literary platform.

He explained that the scientific committee received more than 70 submissions from poets this year, comprising over 100 poems. All entries were evaluated according to academic and artistic criteria, with those selected meeting the forum's objectives and cultural mission.

He added that the committee approved the participation of more than 47 poets in this year's edition, reflecting its conviction that the forum provides a literary space that embraces diverse poetic experiences and gives outstanding work the recognition it deserves.

Zakaria also noted that this year the committee was keen to provide opportunities for young talents and emerging writers, believing in the importance of nurturing promising voices and enabling them to appear alongside established poets with recognised cultural contributions. This approach, he said, is consistent with the forum's mission of discovering talent, encouraging creativity and developing a new generation of poets to carry the banner of Arabic literature in Chad.

The forum featured poetry readings by participating poets, whose works explored themes including patriotism, identity, humanity and shared civilisational values. The sessions reflected the richness of Chad's poetic experience, the vitality of its literary movement and the enduring ability of Arabic poetry to build bridges of communication and understanding between peoples.