Addis Ababa Chinese Language Day event stresses need for multilingualism

Global leaders have reiterated that cultural diversity and multilingualism are essential pillars of global cooperation and mutual understanding.

Thursday's celebrations of United Nations Chinese Language Day in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa reinforced the need to recognize languages as carriers of entire civilizations, with speakers warning that global dialogue cannot be fair or effective without inclusion.

Aboubakri Diaw, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, or UNECA, chief of staff framed language as a gateway to understanding—describing it as a way of thinking and a means of interpreting the world.

He underscored that multilingualism in the United Nations is not merely symbolic but fundamental to fairness and dignity, ensuring all traditions and voices are respected in global dialogue.

"Multilingualism is fundamental to dignity and equality," Diaw said, linking cultural diversity directly to the UN's mission and to development work across Africa.

The event, hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, brought together the Mission of China to the African Union, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, diplomats, and students and featured poetry, music and traditional Chinese arts.

Held under the theme "Let the Light of Civilization Illuminate a Shared Future," Diaw reaffirmed ECA's commitment to multilingualism, multilateralism and inclusive progress.

Jiang Feng, head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union, described language as a bridge between peoples and a tool for mutual respect.

He pointed to the growing network of Confucius Institutes across Africa as evidence of practical cultural exchange, combining language training with skills in sectors like agriculture and healthcare.

"No nation is inherently superior, nor is any civilization inherently inferior," the diplomat said, pointing out that the future of the world lies in common prosperity.