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Today students, journalists, diplomats and general public celebrated the Arabic Language Day at the UN and spoke about its role as one of the UN official languages and its contribution to the promotion of UN values, the UN reported.  

The event was organized jointly by the UN Department of Public Information and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The cultural program featured traditional Arabic music, and the bazaar of the Arabic cuisine, prepared by the Syrian-Armenians currently residing in Armenia.

Maria Dotsenko, the UN Resident Coordinator a.i., said: “Together with students and diplomatic community we celebrate the Day of the Arabic Language at the UN, its contribution to multilingualism and cultural diversity, and promote equal use of all six UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish). This year's celebration is really special, since Syrian-Armenians enriched it with their participation.”

“It is important that youth is learning Arabic and is interested in the Arabic culture, since Arabic is one of the most widespread languages spoken by more than 422 million people, mostly living in regions close to Armenia, and it is the official language in 22 countries,” she added.

The participants and guests were also greeted by the Ambassadors of the State of Kuwait, the Lebanese Republic, the Republic of Iraq and the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic.

“We highly appreciate the support and the opportunity to be involved in the celebration of the Arabic Language Day, as well as to share with our guests the traditional Arabic food that we have prepared”, said Ani A., a Syrian-Armenian participant of the cuisine bazaar.

Arabic Language Day at the UN is celebrated on 18 December, the date on which the United Nations General Assembly designated Arabic as the sixth official language of the UN in 1973. The UNDPI together with partners marked Days of all other official languages of the UN throughout 2013.