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Vienna, Austria,18 December 2024 – The United Nations community in Vienna, in partnership with the League of Arab States, marked Arabic Language Day with a vibrant celebration at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) Rotunda. The event showcased the Arabic language’s rich cultural, linguistic, and artistic heritage, recognized as a cornerstone of knowledge, civilization, and creative expression throughout history.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from H.E. Ambassador Salah Boucha, Head of Mission of the League of Arab States in Vienna, followed by addresses from Ms. Ghada Waly, Director-General of UNOV and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Distinguished speakers included leaders from various UN organizations, such as Dr. Robert Floyd of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Ms. Margaret Doane of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Mr. Yuko Yasunaga of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Dr. Floyd shared his joy in commemorating #ArabicLanguageDay alongside the diplomatic community. He emphasized that Arabic is a universal language that unites people while bridging cultures, histories, and identities. He described Arabic as “a sea without a shore,” highlighting its vast richness and depth. He concluded his remarks with warm wishes, saying, “Happy Arabic Language Day. Assalamou alaykoum.”
“A sea without a shore” metaphorically describes the Arabic language’s vastness, richness, and boundless depth. It implies that Arabic is an expansive and profound language with infinite possibilities for expression, beauty, and meaning. Like a limitless sea, Arabic encompasses a wealth of linguistic, poetic, and cultural treasures that cannot be fully contained or measured, symbolizing its enduring legacy and global influence.
H.E. Magdi Ahmed Mofadal, Sudanese Ambassador to Austria and Chair of the Arab Ambassadors Council in Vienna, emphasized the Arabic language’s significance, spoken by over 450 million people globally. Ambassador Mofadal described Arabic as more than a tool for communication, highlighting its role as a bridge uniting continents, cultures, and civilizations while embodying a rich linguistic and cultural legacy.
He commended ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Arabic, particularly leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance its poetic and artistic essence. He also praised the Arab Ambassadors Council’s initiatives to support the language through cultural events, translations, and its representation in international organizations. Notably, he celebrated UNESCO’s 2021 recognition of Arabic calligraphy as part of the intangible cultural heritage list.
In closing, Ambassador Mofadal acknowledged the challenges faced in Palestine, which impacted this year’s festivities, and expressed hope for peace in the region and the world by the next World Arabic Language Day.
The event culminated in cultural presentations that celebrated the beauty and significance of the Arabic language. Highlights included a poetry reading by H.E. Salah Abdel Shafi, Ambassador of the State of Palestine, and an exhibition of traditional paintings, mosaics, textiles, and embroidery. Attendees also enjoyed live demonstrations of Arabic calligraphy and henna painting and a special reception featuring authentic Arab dishes.
A message displayed at the venue reflected on the Arabic language’s profound contributions, emphasizing its role as a “source of wonderment” and its unique position as the language of the Holy Quran, revered for its eloquence and elegance.
The United Nations Arabic Language Day serves as a platform to promote cultural diversity, foster understanding, and honor one of the six official UN languages, celebrated globally on 18 December to coincide with the date Arabic was adopted as an official UN language in 1973.
Photos: ctto
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” ROJAS is a board member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV) and 1st Vice President-Elect for the UNWG Board 2025. She is also the chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria), a board member of ENFiD, president of Bikol Society Austria (BSA), founder and former president of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), adviser and former president of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), and councillor and liaison for the Philippines of the European Police Association (EPA) . She is a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) and received the Most Influential Filipina Women in the WorldTM (Global FWN100™) “Behind the Scenes” award in 2019.
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