Director-General/Executive Director
Ambassador Li,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor to join you today to celebrate UN Chinese Language Day.
As one of the six official languages of the United Nations, Chinese plays an important role in promoting multilateralism, diplomacy, and cultural diversity here at the UN in Vienna and throughout the organization.
The Chinese language connects us to a global network of knowledge, ideas, and expertise, which we are proud to incorporate in our work.
It also makes the UN more accessible and visible to the people we serve worldwide.
I would like to acknowledge our dedicated UN interpreters and translators of Chinese, who keep our dialogue flowing.
Today’s event is an occasion to celebrate the legacy that the Chinese language holds, as a bridge between the past, present, and future, and between different generations and communities.
To borrow a famous Chinese proverb, “to learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.”
The Chinese language opens a window onto a civilization spanning over 5,000 years that is rich with linguistic diversity, art, and culture.
This civilization has brought us invaluable inventions like woodblock printing and papermaking, which continue to help us communicate with one another today.
Dear friends,
Language connects us all.
It allows us to communicate, share ideas and experience new cultures. This builds trust, understanding and dialogue between peoples.
Through a stronger grasp of other languages, we break down barriers and become more united in our common humanity.
I am grateful to Ambassador Li and the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China for organizing this event, allowing us to share in your beautiful culture.
Let us continue to promote dialogue and mutual understanding through language and the arts.
Thank you, and I wish you a joyful celebration.