Director-General's remarks at the exhibition on the occasion of Chinese Language Day

Chinese Language Day
Friday, 17 April 2026, at 1.00 p.m.
Salle des Pas Perdus, Palais des Nations

Ambassador Jia [H.E. Jia Guide, Permanent Representative of China],
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations for this year’s celebration of Chinese Language Day. I extend my sincere gratitude to Ambassador Jia, to the Permanent Mission of China, the Chinese media Group, and their partners for organizing this festive discovery of Chinese culture and language.

Today we honour and celebrate one of world’s oldest and most influential languages. For more than 3,000 years, Chinese has connected communities and peoples, enabling philosophy, trade and culture to flourish. Today, it is the first language of 1 billion people and the second most spoken language in the world. And, of course, it is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, reflecting not only its importance to a large portion of humankind, but also its significance in multilateral diplomacy.

At the United Nations Office at Geneva, we champion multilingualism and the benefits it brings to multilateralism. Linguistic plurality is a cornerstone of our work. It is both firmly rooted in the UN Charter and sits at the core of Geneva’s long-standing tradition of inclusive diplomacy. Multilingualism encourages dialogue, tolerance and understanding, and ensures the effective participation of all in the Organization’s work, as well as greater transparency, efficiency, and better outcomes. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the dedication of our interpreters, translators, and instructors, whose work is essential to enabling cooperation among nations.

Our workforce at UNOG reflects this remarkable cultural and linguistic diversity, with more than 100 nationalities and more than 70 different languages represented. We see every day how multilingual communication enriches collaboration and our collective work.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The theme of this year’s Chinese Language Day celebrations - “zhi” – captures, in a particularly meaningful way, our shared purpose at the United Nations through three interlinked dimensions. As “discernment”, zhi reminds us of our resolve to act based on truth and principle. As “governance”, zhi reinforces the importance of inclusive and collaborative decision‑making in addressing global challenges. And as “coexistence”, zhi highlights the need for both societies and technologies to advance in ways that uphold dignity and opportunity for all. Together, these three meanings of zhi embody multilateralism as a living commitment to wisdom in action. To demonstrate this, today’s event will showcase how tradition and modernity reinforce one another, reflecting the forward-looking spirit embedded in Chinese culture.

As we enjoy the festivities, let us carry the inspiration of zhi into our work, with renewed commitment to advancing peace, promoting sustainable development, and protecting the dignity of every linguistic and cultural tradition. Through our shared determination, we can help shape a future in which inclusiveness truly leaves no one behind.    

Thank you.