Commemoration of the Spanish 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 Spanish Language Day at UNON
23 April 2025 – 13:00 hours (Press Room)
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Your Excellency, the Ambassador of Argentina to the Republic of Kenya;
Your Excellency, the Ambassador of Chile to the Republic of Kenya;
Your Excellency, the Ambassador of Colombia to the Republic of Kenya;
Your Excellency, the Ambassador of Perú to the Republic of Kenya;
Excellencies, Ambassadors and Chargés d’Affaires of Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba and other Spanish-speaking countries here present;
Mr. Patrick Simiyu Wamoto, Director of Foreign Service Academy and Honourable Representative of the Government of Kenya;
Mr. Mohamed Assi, UNON Multilingualism Focal Person;
Distinguished Guests, Colleagues, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Buenos dias y bienvenidos todos! [Good morning and welcome!]
Please allow me to first extend my deepest condolences to members of the Roman Catholic faith, and countless others around the world inspired by the extraordinary life and example of His Holiness Pope Francis. Pope Francis was a man of faith for all faiths, working with people of all beliefs and backgrounds to light a path forward. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all — especially for those on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.
On another note, welcome to UNON’s Spanish Language Day celebration! It's a pleasure to see so many of you here today to celebrate the beauty and richness of the Spanish language. This is a day to appreciate the vibrant cultural heritage, diversity, literature, and the global influence and intellect of the language of Cervantes. Let us embrace this opportunity to connect with each other and celebrate the joy of communication through this wonderful language!
My most sincere gratitude goes in particular to the Permanent Missions in Kenya of Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba and Argentina who worked tirelessly with UNON’s multilingualism focal persons to make this day a resounding success. Furthermore, UNON acknowledges with gratitude the Spanish Embassy’s continuing financial contributions to specifically increase Spanish language learning in Kenya through their donations to UNON. Such positive collaboration and support is a good example of multilingualism through multilateralism at work.
Language is fundamental to human interaction, expression and identity. It is a bridge that brings people of diverse cultures and realities closer together. In our interconnected and diverse world, language is a common asset that leads to forging economic, geopolitical and social bonds among nations, countries and continents. By so doing, we acknowledge and celebrate the history and achievements of Spanish as we promote multilingualism and cultural diversity within the United Nations.
Dear Friends, Ladies & Gentlemen,
Spanish is one of the most important languages in the world and within the United Nations system. Today, we are marking the Spanish Language Day celebrated every year in memory of Miguel De Cervantes, the “Father of Spanish Literature”. He was a Giant of World and Spanish literature, with his works translated into more than 60 languages with frequent references to him as the first modern novelist. His epic novel, Don Quixote, is recognized as one of the finest works ever written. The Spanish language day marks the commemoration of Cervantes' death in April 1616.
Spanish is among the four topmost widely spoken languages globally, with more than 470 million speakers representing approximately 8% of the world’s population, according to Spain’s Cervantes Institute.
Spanish has a long tradition of multilinguistic exchanges. With some 3000 words common to both English and Spanish, English speakers may well be able to understand a good deal of Spanish with little effort. Similarly, some 4000 Spanish words have been traced to have Arabic roots. As we know, languages are always evolving, taking on new dialects or accents, borrowing concepts and shaping new ones. Spanish will unquestionably continue to be an integral part of the global linguistic landscape.
In today’s world, we see conflicts, crises, displacement of peoples, migration and calls for ever-higher walls, multilingualism is the first step towards building a world of peace and harmony. Let’s keep multilingualism alive and keep flaming our desire to learn more languages for it is said that when you learn a language you tear down walls and avoid wars.
The United Nations Office at Nairobi is fully engaged in supporting multilingualism and devotes considerable energy to meet the rising demand for translation and interpretation services. Our colleagues in UNON’s Division of Conference Services (DCS), here represented by Ms. Beatriz Lopez Ewert, our Mistress of Ceremony for today, will always be ready and glad to fulfil its mandate in servicing meetings in the six official languages of the United Nations, as applicable.
Permit me to take this opportunity to thank all the event organizers for putting together this wonderful celebration and to wish you all a very happy Spanish Language Day!
Gracias!