Writers have to join arms to protect Arab nation's image

Abu Dhabi - This is a very critical time because there is Daesh, so we must write ... in a healthier way," says secretary-general of the writers' union at Abu Dhabi conference.

Arab nations are often portrayed in a negative light by Western media outlets and this is one of the reasons the 26th General Conference of Arab Writers Union in Abu Dhabi was a "critical event".
In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Habib Al Sayegh, renowned Emirati poet and newly appointed secretary-general of the union, explained how the region's "current and critical period calls for critical actions", even for writers.
He noted that the vulnerability of the current image of Arab countries and the actions of terrorist groups are reasons enough for writers to join arms and search for the light at the end of the tunnel.
"This is a very critical time because there is Daesh, so we must write ... in a healthier way," he said.
Al Sayegh, who was unanimously elected as the secretary-general for a three-year term, affirmed that he and the union would focus on serious issues, such as the current political situation, culture and heritage, as well as 'freedom statutes'.
"We will issue three reports, one focusing on political issues, one cultural and one on the freedom statutes in the Arab world. All 16 delegates must present a report to the conference about freedom in their countries."
The delegates, who include those representing Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Syria, Egypt and Yemen, will not only present the discussion of freedom in general, but "especially the freedom of writers and journalists".
He highlighted that the UAE's election as the centre for the union - which is a first since the union's inception in 1954 - will add significant value to the organisation.
As key concerns such as literature, education and history are generously supported by the UAE, the union hopes to have greater awareness, backup and funds to boost its strength.
"This is the union's first time to not only be located in Abu Dhabi, but also in the Gulf region. I am the first (to be) elected from this region."
"We hope there will be funds and awareness, and being in the UAE will sure make a difference," he said.
Al Sayegh noted that the establishment is not only meant to celebrate world-renowned writers, poets, thinkers and minds alike, but it also seeks to protect and preserve the image of Arab nations. 
The union aims to help maintain the unsurpassed and opulent history of Arab nations and uphold the vision the nations have in preserving heritage and culture.
"We want to show people the importance of literature and writing, and we have to be united, not only as writers, but also as people."
'We need serious cultural action'
Dr Alaa Abdul Hadi, poet and chairman of the Egyptian Writers Union, told Khaleej Times that the current vulnerable time faced by the Middle East highlights the union's crucial role.
"Our nations are subject to terrorism and cultural problems, and that (requires) a serious cultural action to protect Arab writers in general," he said.
Dr Hadi, who has 11 published collections in various languages, including Italian and Hungarian, pointed out that it is vital for Arab nations to join together, as multiple voices are heard, but individual voices are often muted. "We need a unified speech against terrorism and any wrong religious interpretations."
He noted that although there are several countries in the region, they share key pillars.
"Our oral cultures are similar, because we have the same classical language. We also live in similar environments, and that itself makes us a unified team."
Dr Hadi believes that these grounds should help nations stand taller against misinterpretations, which are often focused on by the Western media. He suggested that globalisation - although it has its advantages - has its share of disadvantages to citizens.
"Globalisation instills (the) so called subaltern, without paying respect to other cultures. It builds one central village in the world based on the deconstruction of our villages."
He noted that weaponry, negative philosophy and influential technology, have a lot to do with the ambiguous and dangerous conditions that many nations are currently facing.
"We must respect and preserve our history and culture, we must not let our 'otherness' be taken out."
It's not only about keeping the voice of the writers alive, but also keeping the Arab identity and values alive.
The union is therefore striving for stronger awareness and support, as it will not only help maintain the historical knowledge of the Arab world, but also help build and shape the knowledge of future generations.
"We must corporate and put strategies and policies together, in order to have greater benefits for the writers, because many of us have suffered enough."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com 

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi