"From here and from the Western World and equally from Asia
Those who come from the islands and from the African continent
Experts in many fields and reputed scholars.
This is a great sign, the world has gathered
We are on one plate, whether we like it or not
There is no longer foreignness, the doors have been closed..."
[Wahapa wauzunguni, wa asia kadhalika
Walotoka zisiwani, na bara la afrika
Mafundi wa nyingi fani, na wasomi wasifika
Nikubwa dalili hini, ulimwengu mekutika
Tumo katika sahani, tukiiza tukitaka
Hakuna tena ugeni, milango imefungika]
---Mahmood Ahmad Abdulkadir Mau, at the opening ceremony (translated by Clarissa Vierke)
