Remarks by Under-Secretary-General (USG) Zainab Hawa Bangura,
Director-General, United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)
on the Celebration of Chinese Language Day (CLD) at UNON
Monday, 13 April 2026 (CR1) – 14:00 Hours
Your Excellency Ambassador Guo Haiyan;
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Colleagues;
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is an honour to welcome you to the United Nations Office at Nairobi as we commemorate Chinese Language Day.
Observed across the United Nations system, this occasion reaffirms our collective commitment to multilingualism as a cornerstone of inclusive and effective multilateralism.
As one of the six official languages of the United Nations, Chinese embodies a rich cultural and intellectual heritage, and reflects values of harmony, mutual respect, and shared responsibility - principles that resonate deeply with the mission of this Organization.
Here in Nairobi, the only United Nations headquarters in the Global South, we see firsthand how linguistic diversity strengthens dialogue, fosters mutual understanding, and enhances cooperation in addressing complex global challenges.
Today’s observance therefore underscores the importance of cultural exchange in deepening relations between Africa, China, and the wider international community, and in advancing the spirit of partnership that underpins our work.
Let us therefore continue to promote multilingualism as a practical and strategic tool for inclusion, cooperation, and collective progress.
Thank you. Xie xie