Arabic Language Day

Arabic is more than a language; it is a treasure trove of poetry, philosophy, and tradition. Spoken by over 400 million people worldwide, it is the unifying thread for the Arab world, carrying the legacy of its art, architecture, and storytelling. The calligraphic elegance of Arabic script reflects the depth and beauty of its vocabulary, making it a symbol of creativity and expression.

Under the theme “Arabic Language and AI: Advancing Innovation while Preserving Cultural Heritage,” the event will feature dialogue sessions and workshops that focus on leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to support the Arabic language and expand its global reach.

Furthermore, the sessions will include discussions on how to utilize AI in developing Arabic language learning tools, including machine learning and machine translation applications, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

ستحيي الجمعية العامة ذكرى رئيس جمهورية إيران الإسلامية الراحل، فخامة السيد إبراهيم رئيسي، الذي توفي يوم الأحد 19 مايو 2024.

الجمعية العامة: الجلسة العامة 83، الدورة 78

Participation from various cultural and linguistic entities

Prof. Mahmoud AlMahmoud, head of language planning & policy sector- King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language.

Dr. Fawzi AbdulGhani Bukhari, Saudi Cultural Attaché in the USA.

Prof. Abdullah Saif AlTubi, Director of the GCC Centre for Translation, Arabization, and the Promotion of Arabic.

Dr. Anas Hussam Saeed AlNaimi, Expert, Arabic Language Center for non-Arabic speakers - Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).

Session 2: Journey of the Arabic Language in the United Nations for 50 Years. 

H.E. Amb. Omar Hilale, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco.

H.E. Amb. Tijjani Muhammad-Bandi, Permanent Representative of Nigeria.

H.E. Amb. Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan.

H.E. Amb. Maritza Chan-Valverde, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica.

Statement by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the General Assembly.

Statement by H.E Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Celebration of the 2023 World Arabic Language Day at the United Nations - Arabic is the language of poetry and art.

Session 1: Opening - 50 years since the adoption of the Arabic language as an official language in the United Nations.

Statement by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the General Assembly.

Statement by H.E Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Statement by Prof. Abdullah Al-Washmi, the Secretary-General of The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language.

Statement by Dr Abdulaziz Alwasil, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations.

Statement by H.E. Mr. Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mahmoud, the Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Nations, chairmanship of the Arab Group in New York during December 2023.

Statement by Dr. Nasria Flitti, Minister Plenipotentiary, Deputy Permanent Observer of LSA to the UN.

Visual presentation on the adoption of Arabic as an official language in the United Nations.

ود اليونسكو، بمناسبة الاحتفال السنوي الحادي عشر ﺑﺎليوم العالمي للغة العربية ،وإذ نحتفل ﺑﺎلذكرى السنوية الخمسين لاعتماد اللغة العربية لغة رسمية للأمم المتحدة، التنويه ﺑﻬذه اللغة التي يتحدث ﺑﻬا زهاء ٤٥٠مليون شخص في جميع أرجاء العالم، والتي تزخر بتراث لغوي وثقافي فريد. اللغة العربية حلقة وصل بين القارات، وتستمد عمقها ّعدُوتوسطوعهاف، ّوتنوعها من ﺗﺎريخها الطويل الممتد لألف عام ونيعند بل التبادل. وقد ازدادت اللغة العربيةُملتقى س سواء،ّ، في الحاضر والماضي على حد من خلال ما استمدته ً وثراءًتنوعامن الثقافات الأخرى، فأصبحت حاملة لفكر ذي أهمية ﺗﺎريخية استثنائية. وقد تمخض ت هذه الظروف المناسبةلازدهار الكلمات والأفكار، على مر القرون، عن إنشاء أعمال فكرية عظيمة ومؤثرة ام والشاعرة الخنساء، وأعمال الفيلسوف ّتضم، على سبيل المثال لا الحصر، قصائد الشاعر أبي نواس والشاعر عمر الخيوالطبيب ابن سينا والفيلسوف ابن رشد. وتشيد اليونسكو، بمناسبة الاحتفال ﺑﺎليوم العالمي للغة العربية لهذا العام ﺑﺎعتبارها "لغة الشعر والفنون"، ﺑﺎلرجال والنساء الذين يعملون على المحافظة على الوهج الشعري والفني لهذه اللغة النابضة ﺑﺎلحياة، ويساعدون على تجديدها. ، من ًوتعمل اليونسكو على تعزيز التنوع الثقافي بوجه عام، وتلتزم بتعزيز اللغة العربية بوجه خاص. إذ تقوم اليونسكو مثلاخلال برمج الأمير سلطان بن عبد العزيز آل سعود، ﺑﺎلتشجيع على استخدام اللغة العربية في المنظمة، وتسعى إلى تعزيزاستخدام اللغة العربية على نطاق أوسع وزدة انتشارها من خلال دعم عمليات التبادل والفعاليات الثقافية المتعلقة ﺑﺎللغة العربية وزدة عدد منشورات اليونسكو المترجمة إلى اللغة العربية زدة كبيرة. و قد لّشكًأيضاإدراج الخط العربي في قائمة اليونسكو التمثيلية للتراث الثقافي غير المادي للبشرية فيعام ٢٠٢١مبادرة .ً ولغة في آن معاً فناّعدُﺑﺎرزة في ﺗﺎريخ المنظمة أﺗﺎح تحسين التعريف ﺑﺎلروائع الفنية للغة العربية التي توتود اليونسكو، في اليوم العالمي للغة العربية لهذا العام، الدعوة إلى الاحتفال ﺑﺎللغة العربية وﺑﺎلثقافات التي تثريها،والدعوة هذا ّعدُبل متعددة للتفكير في العالم والتعبير عنه من خلال التنوع اللغوي، إذ يُبوجه أعم إلى إبراز مقدار حاجتنا إلى س للسلامً دائماًالتنوع ثروة نفيسة وشرطا .

رسالةمنالمديرةالعامةلليونسكوالسيدة أودري أزولاي بمناسبة اليوم العالمي للغة العربي

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Arabic becoming a UN official language, UNESCO brings together researchers, academics, youth, and intl leaders.

 On December 18th; The celebration of World Arabic Language Day 2023 will be held from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. This year’s commemoration coincides with the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of Arabic as one of the six UN official languages. To pay tribute to the poetic and artistic brilliance of the Arabic language, UNESCO will bring together researchers, academics, youth, and heads of international institutions. The UNESCO organizes round table discussions and cultural performances. Applicants to the Prize for Arab culture must have contributed significantly towards the development, dissemination and the promotion of Arab culture in the world.The winners of the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture will be announced. The event will serve as a solid platform to delve into the discussions on the Arabic language's influence on shaping knowledge, societal transformations through poetry, and its impact on the arts, while fostering cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. The Roundtables within this initiative will center on:

Philosophy and Poetry: The Contribution of Arabic Poetry to Knowledge Shaping and Social Transformations

Arabic Language and Arts: Broadening Scopes of Cultural Diversity

‘Arab Latinos!’: The Arabic Imprint in Latin America and the Caribbean

Session 1: Opening - 50 years since the adoption of the Arabic language as an official language in the United Nations.

Description

Statement by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th Session of the General Assembly.

Statement by H.E Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Statement by Prof. Abdullah Al-Washmi, the Secretary-General of The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language.

Statement by Dr Abdulaziz Alwasil, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations.

Statement by H.E. Mr. Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mahmoud, the Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Nations, chairmanship of the Arab Group in New York during December 2023.

Statement by Dr. Nasria Flitti, Minister Plenipotentiary, Deputy Permanent Observer of LSA to the UN.

Visual presentation on the adoption of Arabic as an official language in the United Nations.

UN Arabic Language Day is observed annually on December 18. The event was established by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010 seeking "to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six of its official working languages throughout the organization". December 18 was chosen as the date for the Arabic language as it is "the day in 1973 when the General Assembly approved Arabic as an official UN language".

From public health essentials to crisis response, OpenWHO offers valuable knowledge in your native language, empowering you to make a difference in your community. Join us in commemorating the beauty and significance of the Arabic language while enhancing your skills in the vital field of public health. Visit OpenWHO today and embark on a learning journey that transcends borders. Happy Arabic Language Day!

Browse through our courses in Arabic here.

An interwoven, harmonious, and intimate relationship is forged between local communities and the natural ecosystems that surround them. For millennia, tribal communities have thrived in treacherous and unforgiving natural conditions, enduring the scorching desert sun and the chilling winters along steep mountain ranges. The deep bond with nature reflects the significance of environmental conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage.

In Egypt, tribal community culture, tradition, and livelihood are shaped through their interaction with nature. These communities have learned to coexist with nature, developing sustainable methods to derive essential ecosystem services for survival and the conservation of pristine natural resources. 

The Guardian reports that the majority of the world’s 6,000 national parks and 100,000 protected places have been established through the displacement of tribal peoples. To counter this concerning trend, the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, UNDP and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) are championing the inclusion of local tribal communities in the conservation of Egypt’s vast protected areas through their joint Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Egypt’s Tourism (MBDT) project. 

The Tribal Talks campaign encompasses five different regions and eleven tribes in Egypt: 

Southern Sinai:

The Jebeliya Tribe: The Jebeliya tribe has called the Saint Katherine Protected Area 'home' for 1400 years. The tribe has a deep connection to the Saint Katherine Monastery, providing essential services such as safekeeping, gardening, and traveling to get supplies for centuries.

The Muzeina Tribe: The Muzeina tribe is a prominent tribe in Sinai with origins from Saudi Arabia. They are spread across more than two-thirds of the area, inhabiting the Gulf of Aqaba from Taba to Sharm El Sheikh to Ras Sudr. They were once nomadic pastoralists, but have settled due to education, water availability, and employment. Most of the tribe's members now live by the shore and depend on fishing for their livelihood, which has been their intergenerational profession

The Tarabin Tribe: The Tarabin tribe is considered one of the largest Bedouin tribes in the Sinai Peninsula. They originally arrived in the region from Saudi Arabia around 750 to 1000 years ago.

People of Al Gharqana Village: Gharqana village, north of Sharm El Sheikh, is a quaint fisherman's village that is inhabited by different tribes, mostly Al Muzeina. Fishing is the livelihood for most of the community, except for a few who work in tourism. Gharqana is in Nabq Protected Area, a haven for migrating birds with rare elements like mangrove trees.

Southern Red Sea: 

The Ababda Tribe: The Ababda tribe, originally from Saudi Arabia, has inhabited the Red Sea coastline from Ras Ghareb until Halayeb for centuries. Their reliance on nature and limited resources for survival has led to the formation of tribal conservation laws prohibiting the cutting of green trees and allowing the usage of dry ones.  

The Bishari Tribe: The Bishari tribe, one of the oldest in Southern Red Sea, arrived over four millennia ago from Northeast Africa and are a major division of the Beja people. They served as border protectors throughout history, speaking Bidhaawyeet or Rotana language.

Nubia:

The Nubians: The Nubians, the oldest ethnic group in Egypt, are indigenous to Nubia and have preserved their language for 7000 years. Women in Nubia are held in high regard and are attributed with the preservation of the Nubian culture, and language as they took care of the villages on their own when men traveled for work.

North Coast: 

Matrouh Tribes: The coast of Matrouh is a place of cultural richness, with five main tribes who arrived in Matrouh in two main migrations, the first during the Islamic conquests. Despite living on the coast, their culture is closely tied to the desert, historically having little interaction with the sea. These tribes have adapted to change while still holding onto their cultural heritage in the desert, inspiring to see.

Western Desert: 

The Amazigh Tribes: Siwa Oasis is home to the local Amazigh tribes, descendants of North African Amazigh. While the Amazigh lived in Siwa during Pharaonic times, the majority migrated to Siwa after the Islamic conquests due to a drought in North Africa. Today, the current inhabitants of Siwa Oasis are a mix of Amazigh and Arab tribes with a cultural blend between the 2 cultures. They all speak Siwi, a dialect of the Amazighi language.

People of Farafra Oasis: The people of Farafra Oasis have a rich cultural heritage from their diverse origins, with eight main tribes coming from various Arabic countries, intermarrying and creating a unique blend of cultures.  

People of Bahareya Oasis: The people of Wahat Bahareya rely on agriculture and tourism for their livelihood. The use of Roman and Pharaonic wells allows for vast amounts of palm trees, but it's in tourism where the people of Bahareya truly shine. 

ECO EGYPT is a nationwide campaign that promotes for ecotourism in Egypt’s ecological sites and protected sites. The ECO EGYPT campaign is developed by the Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Egypt’s Tourism Project (MBDT); MBDT is implemented by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with the National Bank of Egypt (NBE) as a Strategic Partner for the campaign.

Exhibition organized by UNESCO on the occasion of World Arabic Language Day 2021, with the support of the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation.