Zain Supports Sudanese Cultural Day in London Marking 70 Years of Independence, with Academic and Cultural Participation from the UK

Zain Supports Sudanese Cultural Day in London Marking 70 Years of Independence, with Academic and Cultural Participation from the U

Sudanhorizon – Monitoring Desk
With the support of the Sudanese Mobile Telephone Company, Zain Sudan, the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in London organised the “Sudanese Cultural Day” on Thursday, 12 February 2026, in the British capital. The event marked the seventieth anniversary of Sudan’s independence. It sought to strengthen cultural exchange between Sudan and the United Kingdom at a time when culture and national memory are increasingly viewed as pillars of social cohesion.
The event witnessed notable participation from prominent British institutions, a distinguished group of Sudanese and British researchers and artists, members of the Sudanese community in the UK, and coverage by British and Arab media outlets operating in the country.
The programme featured a series of scholarly and cultural sessions with contributions from specialists, including Dr Julie Anderson of the British Museum, Michael and Helen Mallinson, Professor Marilyn Deegan of King’s College London, Dr Stefania Merlo, Dr Tehami Abu Al-Qasim, and Dr Ahmed Moataz Abdullah Mahmoud of the University of Cambridge, in addition to Chevening scholars.
The event presented a comprehensive vision for safeguarding Sudanese heritage. Proposed initiatives included developing a digital map of archaeological sites, documenting endangered heritage, collaborating with local communities to preserve living traditions, and recording contemporary cultural practices. It also emphasised linking heritage preservation to peacebuilding and community reconstruction processes, with a focus on digitally safeguarding the national narrative to ensure its transmission to future generations.
Two documentary films were screened: one on the late Sudanese artist Professor Ahmed Shibrain, and another on the late British artist Griselda El Tayeb, who dedicated a significant portion of her career to documenting Sudanese life and culture.
In his opening address, His Excellency Ambassador Babiker Al-Siddiq Mohammed Al-Amin, Head of Mission of the Republic of Sudan in London, stated that independence “is not merely a historical occasion, but a renewed responsibility to protect identity, preserve memory, and empower the people to tell their story openly to the world.” He referred to Sudan’s civilisational continuum—from the kingdoms of Kerma, Napata, and Meroë to the Christian Nubian kingdoms—underscoring that this heritage forms an integral part of human history.
The Ambassador also expressed appreciation for Zain Sudan’s support, noting that private-sector participation in cultural initiatives is an important contribution to promoting and strengthening Sudan’s cultural diversity.
It is worth noting that Zain has supported several cultural initiatives and events in Sudan over recent years, including the Tayeb Salih International Award for Creative Writing, as well as forums and programmes dedicated to cultural affairs.

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