The city of Benghazi hosted the opening of the First Conference of the Union of Writers and Authors of the Maghreb on Monday, marking a significant milestone for cultural cooperation across North Africa. The event is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, reflecting the strong emphasis Minister Dr. Abdelhadi Al-Hweij places on cultural diplomacy as a bridge for strengthening ties among regional societies.
The conference brings together a wide delegation of presidents and representatives of writers’ unions and literary associations from across the Maghreb region, making it one of the most important cultural gatherings Libya has hosted in recent years.
Throughout the two-day programme in Benghazi, participants will engage in literary evenings, intellectual seminars, and dialogue sessions focused on shared cultural and historical themes that connect the peoples of North Africa. Organisers say these discussions aim to deepen collaboration, support creative exchange, and highlight the region’s rich cultural identity.
Attendees praised the strong organisation and the efforts made to ensure the success of the event, affirming that culture remains a vital pillar in strengthening cooperation between Maghreb countries and the wider Arab world.
The programme also includes a third day dedicated to cultural field visits in eastern Libya, giving guests the opportunity to explore the region’s archaeological and scenic heritage.
A special cultural evening will be held in the city of Derna, featuring a visit to several reconstruction projects underway following the devastating Storm Daniel floods. The organisers describe the visit as a symbolic message of solidarity, reaffirming the role of culture in supporting the city and its people during their recovery.

