Director-General's remarks for the Event to celebrate World Arabic Language Day

Event to celebrate World Arabic Language Day
Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at 2.00 p.m.
Room V, Palais des Nations

Delivered on behalf of the Director-General by Mr. Thomas Neufing, Chief, Centre for Learning and Multilingualism, United Nations Office at Geneva

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to the Palais des Nations. It is a pleasure to be with you today as we celebrate World Arabic Language Day, a day that highlights not only the beauty of the Arabic language, but also its enduring contribution to global knowledge, culture and multilateral cooperation.

On behalf of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, who regrets being unable to join us today, I extend our gratitude to the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language for convening this event.

I am honoured to deliver the following message on behalf of the Director-General.

“Ladies and gentlemen,

World Arabic Language Day reminds us of the profound power of language to connect people, transmit knowledge, and bring cultures closer together. As one of the world’s oldest and most influential languages, Arabic has carried the ideas of scholars, poets, scientists, and philosophers across centuries, and continues to inspire creativity and innovation today.

Spoken by more than 400 million people and serving as the official language of 22 countries, Arabic is a bridge between nations and a vessel for scientific knowledge, religious thought, artistic expression and diplomatic dialogue. Arabic is not merely a means of communication — it represents a richness of history, identity and culture.

At a time when our world faces deep challenges—conflicts, polarization, environmental pressures, and rapid technological transformation—celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity is more important than ever.

The United Nations has long recognized the essential role of multilingualism in fostering peace, inclusion, and effective multilateralism. Multilingualism is not only a principle—it is a tool that ensures equal participation, broad representation, and genuine communication. It creates space for different histories, different ways of thinking, and different cultural expressions. It enables every community to contribute to global conversations in its own voice.

Our work to promote diplomacy, sustainable development, and human rights is strengthened when we embrace all languages and the cultures they represent. Promoting Arabic within the UN system helps to ensure that the ideas, expertise and perspectives coming from Arabic-speaking countries are fully represented.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The beautiful exhibition on display outside is not only a tribute to the Arabic language itself, but an invitation to deepen dialogue, promote mutual respect, and reaffirm our commitment to diversity as a source of strength. By learning about and celebrating the contributions of languages like Arabic, we enrich our world’s collective wisdom.

Thank you.”

This is the end of the Director-General’s message. 

Thank you.