Nairobi, April 14: The 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on April 13 at the United Nations office in Nairobi. The event focused on the theme, “Words Carry Centuries of Weight, and the Stream of Literature Shines Together.”
The gathering saw participation from over 100 attendees, including China’s Ambassador to Kenya, Kuo Haiyan, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Zainab Bangura, foreign diplomats, UN staff, and educators and students from the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University.
In his address, Kuo Haiyan highlighted that Chinese calligraphy, due to its long history, is one of the most representative art forms of the Chinese language. He emphasized that it reflects a cultural ethos of “equality and mutual learning” and presents a worldview of “harmonious coexistence.” Kuo also mentioned that 2026 is being celebrated as the Year of Humanities and Cultural Exchange between China and Africa, stressing that mutual learning between civilizations is crucial for modernization in both regions.
He further noted that in Africa, particularly in Kenya, the Chinese language is becoming a “golden key” that opens doors to opportunities. Many young Africans at the Confucius Institute and Luban Workshop in Nairobi are not only learning the Chinese language but also expressing their emotions through calligraphy.
Zainab Bangura remarked that the Chinese language, one of the six official languages of the United Nations, is rich in cultural and intellectual heritage. It embodies values such as harmony, mutual respect, and shared responsibility, which align with the UN’s mission. She stated that linguistic diversity promotes dialogue, strengthens mutual understanding, and aids in addressing global challenges.
During the event, guests from various countries enjoyed live calligraphy demonstrations, poetry readings, songs, “Drunken Fist” performances, Chinese drumming, and other cultural presentations, which were met with enthusiasm from the audience.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
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