Director-General's remarks at the Celebration of the Chinese Language Day 2025

Chinese Language Day 2025
Tuesday, 15 April 2025 at 12.15 p.m. 
Gallery and Room XIX, E Building

Ambassador Chen Xu,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen, 

Welcome to the 2025 Chinese Language Day, a celebration of Xing – One World, Boundless Wisdom! 

I would like to thank the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China and all partners for organizing this festive exploration of the enduring legacy of the Chinese language. 

Today, we honor one of humanity’s oldest and most influential languages. With roots stretching back 5000 years, the Chinese language has served as a bridge for philosophies, trade, and dialogue – from exchanges along the Silk Road to the digital frontiers of today. 

The theme “Xing” – meaning action and travel – mirrors our shared mission. In a world grappling with fragmentation, “action” drives our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future, urging inclusive solutions to crises. “Travel” reflects the journeys that unite us – across borders, ideas, and generations – fostering empathy through encounters with diverse heritages. Together, these dimensions embody the essence of multilateralism: dialogue in motion, grounded in mutual respect.

Today’s event illuminates this interplay and invites us to explore how Chinese culture has shaped global history – from the invention of Chinese characters by the legendary Cangjie – to the philosophical depth of Confucianism and Daoism. The exhibition A China Travel Experience with Chinese Characters and the launch of the Cangbao IP[1], exemplify this spirit, blending ancient wisdom with digital innovation to inspire new generations.

The new generation are not just beneficiaries of our work – they are architects of the future. By empowering young people to embrace linguistic and cultural diversity, we sow seeds of innovation and empathy that will flourish for decades to come.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As the United Nations reaffirms its commitment to multilingualism, linguistic diversity remains a pillar of global solidarity, enshrined in the UN Charter and embodied in Geneva’s spirit of multilateralism. 

At UN Geneva, where staff represent over 100 nationalities and speak more than 70 languages, we witness daily how multilingualism fosters tolerance and objectivity. I commend our Chinese translators, interpreters, and educators for their vital role in bridging divides and advancing our shared goals.

Learning different languages enables us to appreciate diverse cultures, perceive the world objectively, and cultivate tolerance and mutual understanding in our daily work.

Let us carry the spirit of “Xing” beyond this event and act with determination to build peace, advance development, and uphold the dignity of every language and culture. Together, we can ensure that our shared journey leads to a world where no one is left behind.

Xièxiè dàjiā. Thank you.