4 January 2026
Our idea did not arise out of luxury or convenience; rather, it emerged from observing the harsh reality experienced by the people of our homeland. The nation is, in essence, ourselves — and its sons and daughters are the ones to whom our attention must be directed, before anyone else. I do not wish to suggest that we should place the nation’s interests above our own in ignorance, but rather that our interests should be shared — free from greed and devoid of cruelty. We are currently living through one of the most difficult eras Yemen has ever known, and this outcome has many causes, the foremost of which is war.
Scholarly and literary works — when read with care and depth — help us understand the factors that influence peace processes. Many literary initiatives have examined these dimensions, yet it remains essential that we engage with them thoughtfully. Our idea is to turn to books instead of weapons; to read history and reflect on its shifts and transformations, to learn from its lessons and benefit from its experiences. It is a vision that brought us together as young people eager to understand the journeys of those older and more experienced than we are.
Yemenis, despite their diverse affiliations, are united by many common bonds. Allow me to list and briefly explain some of them:
The name “Yemen”: Wherever we may go in the world, we will continue to carry the name of Yemen with us, belonging to this land with all its sorrows and joys, its festivals, and its rich and varied traditions.
And it is this love for the name “Yemen” itself that brings us together. There is no true Yemeni whose eyes do not well with tears at a gathering or occasion where the homeland is invoked. These tears embody a love that flows in our blood — a love that remains the most powerful bond uniting us. It is not history books that bring us together as much as this unconscious affection for what Yemen represents.
Features and identity: Yemenis share many common features, as though they were brothers, which stands as evidence that God created us to live in one household governed by respect and reverence — where the young honor their elders, and every individual is guaranteed the right to diversity, no matter how much we may differ.
Customs and traditions: Since ancient times, the customs and traditions of Yemenis have been united. We lived side by side, and we must remain so — with understanding and mutual regard. We must also benefit from the developments of our era to build a shared national collective.
Memory: We possess a common collective memory, whether filled with conflict or cooperation. We have been together on this land — and we must continue to remain together upon it.
Caring for future generations: Is this not the right moment to build a unified Yemeni generation raised on accepting differences — whatever they may be — while grounded in common values that bind it to all Yemenis? Is it not time to spare this generation the hardship to which it has long grown accustomed?
And because fairness requires it, there are also certain differences that must be acknowledged:
Sects: Since ancient times, sectarian and doctrinal divisions have posed a challenge to Yemenis — one they have not yet fully overcome. Any sect or doctrine that commands a person to kill his peaceful brother is, without doubt, misguided. Under this pretext, we must sift out the poisons produced by extremist and sectarian writings. No sect or religion should ever stand as an obstacle to coexistence. Based on my reading of history over the past fifteen years, there are no authentic religious teachings that call for rejecting coexistence. Let us harness this powerful, positive truth in order to build a Yemen founded on mutual respect and peaceful living.
Regionalism: If we truly wish to build a nation that unites us in our shared interest, then we must seriously rid ourselves of regional biases. Every Yemeni region is rich in diversity and may differ from others, yet it still shares many commonalities with them. In today’s world — with its new boundaries and respect for sovereign states — we have a significant opportunity to preserve our greater Yemen rather than fragment it.
Political orientations: Political differences should be directed toward serving citizens’ interests — not toward the battlefield. Let us enrich public life with our diverse political perspectives and differing views on governance, while maintaining a genuine understanding of one another. It is of great importance that we keep our hearts open; if we do so, we will be able to reach solutions — and that is far easier than we imagine.
At Awam, we strive diligently to bring differing viewpoints closer together and to focus on areas of common ground. Through a positive and constructive approach — and by means of clear, practical methods — we aim to help create an environment of long-term understanding, suitable for building a nation that embraces everyone, without exclusion, marginalization, or extremism. Points of disagreement may be many, but they are never a measure of the impossibility of peace and coexistence. On the contrary, they represent an opportunity for diversity, vitality, and freedom — a freedom that will, in every way, contribute to building a creative and innovative society.
Finally, we must work together to spread — and truly adopt — a culture of peace, so that we may reap a safe homeland that has room for us, for our brothers and sisters, and for our children...
