Palestine's Zimbabwe Message At CHANDI 2025: Culture Is A Peaceful Way

Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Zimbabwe, H. E. Kazembe. (IST)

DENPASAR - The international Forum for Culture, Heritage, Art, Narrative, Diplomacy, and Innovation (CHANDI) 2025 reiterated the important message: culture and the younger generation are bridges to create world peace and prosperity.

In the Keynote Address session, Zimbabwe's Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, H. E. Kazembe, as well as representatives of Palestinian youth, Jana Abusalha, voiced cultural roles as the foundation of human nature. Both emphasize that culture is not just a legacy, but energy to build a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.

"Culture is a source of strength and prosperity. Cultural heritage is not just a relic, but an inspiration to build a future," said Kazembe in a speech entitled Culture for the Future: A Bridge to Building Peace and Prosperity at The Meru, Denpasar, Bali, Wednesday, September 3.

He alluded to Ubuntu's philosophy: I exist because you exist. According to him, this value is relevant when the world faces conflicts, climate crises, and inequality. Kazembe encourages culture to be placed in a development center, with investment in cultural education to shape the identity and confidence of the younger generation.

Meanwhile, in the same place, Jana Abusalha emphasized the voices of the younger generation in the world. "Often we hear young people are future leaders. In fact, they are leaders today, future architects," he said in a speech themed The Role of Youth in Fostering Peace Through Culture.

For Jana, culture is a cross-generational language that is able to bridge differences. Every song, dance, or festival in the midst of a crisis is our way of peace to say: we are here, and we will continue to exist," he stressed. He stressed, removing prejudice is only possible if young people understand other cultures and embrace diversity.

Their speech confirmed the position of CHANDI 2025 as a forum for world cultural diplomacy. The Indonesian Ministry of Culture emphasized that culture is not only an identity, but also a strategic tool to build peace, dignity, and prosperity together.

This Keynote Address session became part of the opening of CHANDI 2025 at The Meru, Denpasar, Bali, which was attended by ministers and cultural officials from more than 30 countries. CHANDI 2025 was held on September 35, coinciding with 80 years of Indonesian Independence, carrying the theme Culture for the Future. This forum presents discussions, exhibitions, and cross-border collaborations to strengthen an inclusive and sustainable cultural ecosystem.