The Commissioner for Political Affairs opened the 14th International Festival of Language and Culture


Date posted: April 22, 2016

The International Festival was organized by the Nejashi Ethio-Turkish International Schools in collaboration with the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The Festival is a platform to showcase both the rich multicultural diversity of the world, as well as the boundless talent of students coming from 65 countries across the globe to exhibit their cultural traditions through poetry, song and dance, in an expression of friendship, and hope for the future.

In her address, the Commissioner for Political Affairs indicated that “Tolerance is important and needed us to live together, listen to each other and do things together. Therefore, this forum is an opportunity for all of us to renew our commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, without distinction as to race, gender, language, national, origin, religion or disability, and to combat intolerance and to take all positive measures necessary to promote tolerance in all societies, because it is not only a cherished principle, but also a necessity for peace and for the economic and social advancement of all peoples”.

Dr. Abdullahi also added that “a few days ago, some of the students participating in this festival paid me a courtesy visit in my office and I was so impressed by the colourfulness of their dress and beauty of their voices. But above all, I was happy to know that they all strive for a global peace and dialogue and they all wish for a peaceful and forbearance world free of conflicts, wars and human rights violations”.


Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of African Union Commission (AUC).

H.E. Dr. Aisha Laraba Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union Commission opened the 14th International Festival of Language of Culture, which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 09 April 2016, under the theme “Colours of the World”.

Source: African Union Commission , April 12, 2016


Related News

Erdogan in East Africa to fight against Gulen

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Tanzania on January 22 to launch a three-nation East Africa tour to crack down against Fethullah Gulen. Erdogan is targeting an international network of charities and schools affiliated with a movement run by US-based Gulen.

Kimse Yok Mu gears up to assist Malian refugees

Kimse Yok Mu continues its help to Malians left homeless in the ongoing civil war around the country. Donations delivered to the country are ready to be distributed. Building bridges between philanthropists and the needy, Kimse Yok Mu has once again taken action to aid war-stricken people of Mali. The association, which has delivered donations […]

Kimse Yok Mu volunteer physicians bring light to eyes in Darfur

A Kimse Yok Mu ophthalmologists Ferruh Bican revealed that 53 volunteer doctors brought light to the blind by performing a total of 80 thousand eye exams and over 12 thousand cataract surgeries in Darfur, Somalia. “Saturday Gatherings” organized by BIK (Turkey Press Bulletin Authority) branch office in the province Denizli was hosted by Kimse Yok Mu Denizli […]

Once lauded as model, Turkey’s Africa initiative loses momentum

One of the main reasons behind the loss of momentum in Turkey’s once-intense efforts to boost relations with African states is the Turkish government’s effort to win domestic battles at any cost. In one such attempt, the Turkish government started to work on a plan to get states to close down Turkish schools abroad that are affiliated with the Hizmet movement, which is inspired by the teachings of Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen and known as one of Turkey’s most important soft-power instruments.

Turkish schools abroad victims of AKP-Gulen conflict

The fate of the Gulen movement’s schools — located in over 160 countries — is being debated following Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s declaration of war in the wake of the Dec. 17 graft probe that targeted individuals associated with his government.

Planned prep school ban [in Turkey] disregards basic rights as in single-party era

The government’s intentions to shut down private examination preparation centers [in Turkey] in spite of a strong backlash from educators, economists, students, parents and even terrorism experts brings back memories of the authoritarianism of the early years of the republic, when a single-party regime was in place.

Latest News

Fethullah Gülen’s Condolence Message for South African Human Rights Defender Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Hizmet Movement Declares Core Values with Unified Voice

Ankara systematically tortures supporters of Gülen movement, Kurds, Turkey Tribunal rapporteurs say

Erdogan possessed by Pharaoh, Herod, Hitler spirits?

Devious Use of International Organizations to Persecute Dissidents Abroad: The Erdogan Case

A “Controlled Coup”: Erdogan’s Contribution to the Autocrats’ Playbook

Why is Turkey’s Erdogan persecuting the Gulen movement?

Purge-victim man sent back to prison over Gulen links despite stage 4 cancer diagnosis

University refuses admission to woman jailed over Gülen links

In Case You Missed It

Source claims US not probing into Gulenists’ alleged role in Russian ambassador’s murder

Reflection on the Asia-Pacific Trip with the Hizmet Movement

Gülen warns against adventurism, using force against Kurds

Gülen urges Turkey to preserve, advance achievements in democratization

What’s not to love in this coup?

Yemeni authorities praise Turkish schools for persevering during hard times

Kyrgyz President Atambayev: Ankara should not threaten us with coup

Copyright 2023 Hizmet News