Welcome Remarks by USG Zainab Hawa Bangura
Director-General, United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), on the occasion of the Spanish Language Day Celebrations at UNON – 23 April 2026, CR3, 12:30 – 14:00
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Your Excellency, Mr. Jaime Alejandro Moreno Bau, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Kenya,
Your Excellency, Mr. Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo, Ambassador of Mexico to the Republic of Kenya,
Your Excellency, Mr. Pedro León Cortés Ruíz, Ambassador of Colombia to the Republic of Kenya,
Your Excellency, Mr. Luis Levit, Ambassador of Argentina to the Republic of Kenya,
Your Excellency, Mrs. Romy Tincopa, Ambassador of Peru to the Republic of Kenya,
Your Excellency, Mr. Patricio Aguirre, Ambassador of Chile to the Republic of Kenya,
Your Excellency, Ms. Verónica García, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Republic of Kenya,
Your Excellency, Ms. Moravia Peralta Hernandez, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Republic of Kenya,
Your Excellency, Mrs. Inés Fors Fernández, Ambassador of Cuba to the Republic of Kenya,
Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. Buenos días.
I am pleased to join you for the observance of Spanish Language Day, and to acknowledge Spanish as one of the United Nations’ six official languages. In my capacity as Director-General of UNON, I wish to underscore the essential role that Spanish continues to play in fostering mutual understanding and connecting peoples and cultures across the world. Today, Spanish is spoken by more than 480 million native speakers and by nearly 90 million people as a second language, and it is an official language in 20 countries.
With projections indicating that the number of Spanish speakers worldwide may reach 756 million by 2050, the language’s influence is expected to expand further, enriching global cultural life and strengthening opportunities for dialogue and cooperation.
At UNON, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to multilingualism and cultural diversity, which are foundational to the United Nations and indispensable to inclusive engagement and meaningful participation in our work.
I would like to take this opportunity to once again specifically recognize and thank the Embassy of Spain in Kenya, a strategic partner in supporting Spanish language training for Kenya government institutions and some UN colleagues since 2024, through sustained sponsorship of the Spanish Learning Programme facilitated by UNON.
As a result of this collaboration and increasing institutional demand, Spanish has become the second‑largest language offering under the UNON Language Programme. To date, approximately 125 persons have benefited from full or partial scholarships across the UN and multiple government offices under this programme. We express our sincere appreciation to the Embassy of Spain to the Republic of Kenya for the enhanced, broadened sponsorship to promote multilingualism in general.
UNON would also welcome the consideration of other Spanish-speaking countries to join this laudable venture to further amplify the programme’s impact.
Languages embody identity and knowledge; they transmit culture, foster belonging, and expand opportunity. They strengthen cooperation, promote learning, help reduce inequalities, and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable societies. As we observe these language days at UNON, we are reminded that linguistic diversity is not merely an aspiration; it is essential to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and sustaining peace.
Within the United Nations, our linguistic and cultural diversity constitutes one of our greatest strengths, and it enhances the quality and impact of our collective contribution. Let us therefore continue to celebrate and advance multilingualism as we work together towards a more connected, inclusive and peaceful world.
To our Spanish-speaking community, please accept my sincere appreciation: muchas gracias por acompañarnos en esta celebración.
Thank you.