Young Tanzanians have been urged to use dialogue, diplomacy and emerging technology to resolve conflicts, as the country reflects on the legacy of veteran diplomat Dr Salim Ahmed Salim.
The call was made on Wednesday by Director of Government Communications in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mindi Kasika, while opening the second conference held to honour Dr Salim at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
Ambassador Kasika said Dr Salim’s career offered lessons for a new generation facing a world increasingly confronted by conflicts, divisions and competing interests.
She said his contribution to diplomacy went beyond the positions he held, pointing to his role in promoting peace, resolving conflicts, strengthening African solidarity and advancing the interests of developing countries on the global stage.
“Dr Salim’s legacy reminds us of the power of knowledge, discipline, integrity, patience, listening and building relationships in diplomacy,” she said.
The ambassador urged young people to apply those values in dealing with disagreements, saying dialogue and diplomacy could help build trust and create lasting solutions to conflicts.
The message comes at a time when young people are increasingly using digital platforms to debate social, political and economic issues, making responsible communication an important part of conflict prevention.
Ambassador Kasika also challenged the youth to embrace new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), while ensuring that their use is guided by ethics, accountability and respect for human dignity.
She said technology should be used to advance Tanzania’s and Africa’s interests rather than undermine the values needed to maintain peaceful societies.
The conference brought together participants to reflect on Dr Salim’s contribution to Tanzanian, African and international diplomacy and examine how his experience can inform future generations.
Ambassador Kasika said Tanzania recognised Dr Salim as one of the country’s prominent diplomats, citing his service in diplomatic missions including Egypt, India and China, as well as his work at the United Nations.
She said his legacy should be assessed not only through the senior positions he occupied, but also through the values he brought to public service and his vision for Tanzania and Africa in the international system.
The conference therefore seeks to keep those lessons relevant to a younger generation, particularly as Tanzania continues to engage in regional and global affairs.