DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to attend the First International Kiswahili Conference in Havana, Cuba from November 7 to 10.
Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, announced about the Head of State officiating the event, to the press in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.
“The ministries responsible for culture from Tanzania and Cuba have collaborated to host the First International Kiswahili Conference. President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Cuban counterpart, Miguel Diaz-Canel, will be attending the event,” he stated.
According to the minister, approximately 600 individuals are expected to participate in the conference. The attendees will include ministers, representatives from the private sector, organizations focused on the Kiswahili language and various universities.
“We received around 1,500 applications from those wishing to attend the event, but only 600 were selected to participate. The accepted applicants hail from private sectors, institutions, associations and universities from different parts of the world.
“All participants are responsible for their own expenses and various entertainment groups will be present to enliven the event, including provisions for transportation, accommodation and meals,” Ndumbaro explained.
He also noted that Kiswahili has made significant progress after being recognised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as the seventh international language, with over 500 million speakers worldwide.
The recognition presents a valuable opportunity to promote Kiswahili globally.
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“Currently, Kiswahili is a worldwide language. It is not just a native language for Tanzanians; it has become an international language recognised by UNESCO, the UN, SADC, EAC and other institutions. Therefore, we must engage in international activities at this first International Kiswahili Conference that is being held in Havana, Cuba,” Ndumbaro said.
Additionally, he mentioned that the conference will feature a variety of seminars and the launch of a Kiswahili Spanish dictionary developed by the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
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