Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad memorial conference to explore politics, leadership, and governance

Unguja. The Maalim Seif Foundation, in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, is set to host the third Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad Memorial Conference on November 25-26, 2023, at the Golden Tulip Airport Hotel in Zanzibar.

The conference will bring together prominent politicians, religious and civil society leaders, scholars, journalists, diplomats, and young politicians to discuss the theme of "Politics, Leadership, and Governance: Where Have We Gone Wrong, How Can We Correct Our Mistakes?".

The conference aims to reflect on and evaluate the current state of politics, leadership, and governance, both nationally and internationally.

According to a statement by the foundation, participants will examine issues such as the erosion of political values and principles, factors affecting fair competition in the political arena, the rise of dirty politics, the impact of populism on democracy, the role of social media in politics, and the importance of youth engagement in the political process.

The conference will feature presentations and panel discussions led by experienced politicians, religious and civil society leaders, scholars, journalists, diplomats, and young politicians.

Among the speakers are General Ulimwengu, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, Mohamed Aboud Mohamed, Zitto Kabwe, Salum Mwalim, Nicodemus Minde, Awadh Ali Said, Ezekiel Kamwaga, Absalom Kibanda, Maxence Melo, Hawra Shamte, Salma Said, Khalifa Said, and Mohammed Ghassani.

 Other speakers include Ambassador Ali Karume, Hamza Kassongo, Prof Mohamed Bakari, Sheikh Ponda Issa Ponda, Bishop Emmaus Mwamakula, Tike Mwambipile, young politicians Rehema Sombi Omary, Mwanaisha Mndeme, Twaha Mwaipaya, and development activist Masoud Salim Mohamed.

The Maalim Seif Foundation's annual conferences have earned a reputation for providing a free platform for in-depth and respectful discussions that have contributed to bringing about positive change in Tanzania.

The inaugural conference in November 2021, which was officially opened by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, focused on the theme of Reconciliation and National Unity in Building a New Zanzibar and Tanzania.

The second meeting in October 2022 addressed the theme of Education and Talent Development, Innovation, and Empowerment.

The Third Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad Memorial Conference is expected to continue this tradition and provide a valuable opportunity to discuss critical issues in politics, leadership, and governance.

The conference organizers believe that the discussions will generate important insights and recommendations that can contribute to the development of a more just, equitable, and democratic society in Tanzania and beyond.