Commemoration of the French Language Day
Remarks by Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Under-Secretary-General and Director-General, United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) on the occasion of the Commemoration of the French Language Day at UNON
20 March 2025 – 13:00 hours
Your Excellency Madame Néfertiti Tshibanda, Permanent Representative of the International Francophonie Organization to the African Union (AU) and the Economic Commission of Africa (ECA);
Your Excellency Mr. Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France to the Republic of Kenya;
Your Excellency Mr. Anouar Ben Youssef, Ambassador of Tunisia to the Republic of Kenya;
Your Excellency Ms. Evelyne Habonimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to the Republic of Kenya;
Ambassadors of Francophonie countries here present;
The Honourable Representative of the Government of Kenya
Mr. Mohamed Assi, UNON Multilingualism Focal Person;
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Colleagues, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Bonjour à tous!
Je ne parle vraiment pas le français, so allow me to continue in English.
French Language Day, celebrated annually on March 20th, is a day dedicated to honouring the French language and its cultural significance worldwide. Established by the United Nations' Department of Public Information in 2010, this day aims to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity, as well as to encourage the equal use of all six official languages of the United Nations: French, English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Russian. At UNON, we also specifically celebrate Mother-tongue Day and Kiswahili Day.
The choice of March 20th for French Language Day is significant as it coincides with the anniversary of the International Organization of the Francophonie, which was founded on this date in 1970. This organization represents countries and regions where French is a customary language, or where a significant proportion of the population are French speakers (Francophones). The day also aligns with the International Day of the Francophonie, celebrating the French language and Francophone culture globally.
Spoken by millions across continents, French remains global in nature as an official language in 29 countries, several of which are in Africa. The influence of French culture, literature, and philosophy is profound, being the language of many renowned writers, philosophers, poets and artists, not to mention the language of romance!
In essence, French Language Day is a celebration of the beauty and richness of the French language and its role in connecting people across the globe. French Language Day is more than just a celebration of the language itself; it is a recognition of the cultural and historical ties that bind Francophone communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to preserve and promote languages as a means of fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among peoples.
Activities on this day often include cultural events, language workshops, and educational programs aimed at encouraging people to learn and appreciate the French language.
Thank you. Merci beaucoup.