Hon. Batuun Calls for Preserving Knowledge and Empowering Future Generations
M.A. Egge.
Republic of Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Hon. Barkhad Jama Batuun, opened the 19th Hargeisa International Book Fair with a message emphasizing that lasting progress depends on preserving history while empowering future generations.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, the minister reflected on this year’s theme, “Continuity,” describing it as a reminder that meaningful progress must remain rooted in a nation’s history and shared values.
“This year’s theme, Continuity, reminds us that progress is only meaningful when it is rooted in our history and our shared values,” he said.
The minister stressed that safeguarding knowledge, creativity, and dialogue is a collective national responsibility. He said these pillars are essential to ensuring that future generations inherit not only the stories of the past but also the confidence to create new ones.
“As a nation, we have a responsibility to ensure that knowledge, creativity, and dialogue continue to flourish, so that the next generation inherits not only our stories but also the confidence to write new ones,” he stated.
His remarks underscored the central message of this year’s Hargeisa International Book Fair: that literature, culture, and education serve as enduring bridges between generations, preserving heritage while inspiring innovation and shaping the future.