Panorama Writer
Literacy, language and cultural exchange were placed at the centre of discussions on building a better world during a Language and Culture Seminar and Book Exhibition held on August 30, 2026, at the hospice of University of Rwanda’s, Remera Campus.
The event was organised by the Africasia Initiative (ABI) under the auspices of the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda.
One of the highlights of the event was a book exhibition by young Rwandan books exhibitor Arsène Bahizi, who demonstrated the important role of languages in promoting cultural diplomacy and tourism through a diverse collection of multilingual books.
The exhibition featured books connecting languages and cultures across Africa and Asia, including Ikinyarwanda–Kiswahili–English, Kiswahili–Chinese–English, French–English–Kiswahili, Shona–Kiswahili–English, as well as publications focusing on Language and Tourism and other multilingual learning materials.
Bahizi’s exhibition illustrated how literacy and multilingual education can help people understand one another, preserve cultural heritage and promote tourism across borders.
The three-hour seminar brought together prominent speakers and diplomats from Rwanda, Africa and Asia to discuss the relationship between language, culture and international cooperation.
The main speakers included Rtd Gen Dr Emmanuel Ndahiro of Rwanda, Prof. Pacifique Malonga of Rwanda, Dr Zeng Guangyu of China, H.E. Ambassador Naeem Khan of Pakistan, H.E. Ambassador Prof. Charity Manyeruke of Zimbabwe, Dr Ismael Buchanan of Rwanda, and Umutesi Egidia from SOMA Rwanda.
Discussions focused on the importance of language and culture as powerful instruments of diplomacy, mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.
Speakers highlighted that while international relations are often associated with trade, economics and politics, language and cultural diplomacy remain equally important in connecting people and strengthening relations between countries.
The seminar demonstrated that literacy goes beyond the ability to read and write. It also provides a foundation for understanding different languages, cultures and worldviews.
For Rwanda, Africa, Asia and the wider world, participants emphasised the importance of promoting multilingualism and cultural exchange as tools for peace, tourism, education and sustainable international cooperation.
The book exhibition further reflected the growing importance of young people in promoting literacy and cultural understanding. Through multilingual publications, Bahizi showcased how books can become bridges connecting Rwanda with Africa, Asia and the rest of the world.
The event concluded with a shared message that a better world cannot be built through trade and politics alone, but also through language, literacy, culture and mutual understanding.
As Rwanda continues to strengthen its connections with Africa and Asia, initiatives that promote multilingual education and cultural diplomacy could play an increasingly important role in bringing people and nations closer together.
