Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for Arabic Language Day, observed on 18 December:
Al Salaamu Alikum [Peace be upon you].
I am pleased to join you in celebrating Arabic Language Day.
Arabic is one of the oldest spoken languages in human history. For centuries, Arabic connected people through literature, music, poetry, and philosophy. It was the “lingua franca” for trade, art and science.
Today, Arabic is a rich and vibrant language — uniting hundreds of millions of people across 22 Arabic-speaking countries and nearly 2 billion Muslims who use Arabic in their prayers and supplications.
At the United Nations, Arabic contributes daily to harmonious communication among people and nations and towards achieving an inclusive, multilingual Organization. As we commemorate this day, let us promote dialogue and mutual understanding and together celebrate the diversity of the human family.
Shukran [Thank you].
