In a major step towards cultural exchange and solidarity, the General Union of Palestinian Writers and the Brazilian Union of Writers (UBE) signed a landmark agreement this week in São Paulo. The agreement commits both organisations to translating and promoting the literary works of their members in each other’s countries, with a particular focus on supporting young and emerging authors. The president of the UBE, Ricardo Ramos Filho, and Murad Al-Sudani, Secretary-General of the General Union of Palestinian Writers and Scholars signed the agreement.22
Al-Sudani is a poet, essayist, university professor and literary critic. He went to Brazil to strengthen ties between the Palestinian and Brazilian literary communities. Born in the village of Deir Al-Sudan, overlooking the coast of Palestine, he grew up rooted deeply in Palestinian heritage, learning the traditions of his people from his parents.
The idea behind this new cultural cooperation arose out of the tragic realities facing Palestine today. In light of the systematic destruction and violation that Gaza has endured — including the targeting of cultural infrastructure such as museums, universities, schools, cultural centres and public murals — the Palestinian organisation launched a global cultural initiative for Palestine. Its aim is to connect with institutions, unions, syndicates and cultural associations across the Arab world and beyond, forming a worldwide cultural front to defend Palestinian memory, creativity and civilisation.
One of the first projects to be carried out under the agreement will be the translation from Arabic to Portuguese of literary works emerging from Gaza, particularly short stories written amid the ongoing devastation. While the works remain unpublished, it was pointed out that they are currently being curated and have already attracted interest from Brazilian publishers.
Key aspects of the agreement include the exchange of delegations for seminars and lectures, joint publication of books and articles, mutual participation in literary fairs, the organisation of cultural celebrations on significant dates, and the sharing of periodicals and literary materials.
Through this agreement, Palestine and Brazil are building a bridge of resistance and hope, one that defies silence, preserves memory and ensures that the voices of the oppressed, especially the young, continue to resonate across languages, borders and generations.
