Addis Ababa, April 16, 2026 (FMC) — The 17th Chinese Language Day, celebrated today, carries added significance as 2026 marks the year dedicated to China-Africa people-to-people exchanges, according to Jiang Feng, Head of Mission of China to the African Union (AU) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
Jiang Feng emphasized that language is more than a medium for exchanging ideas; it serves as a vessel for cultural heritage and a bridge connecting hearts. He noted that China’s language education initiatives across Africa have become a hallmark of China-Africa cultural engagement.
Highlighting the role of Confucius Institutes, he said these programs are tailored to local needs through integrated language and skills initiatives, covering areas such as agricultural technology and medical training.
The envoy further linked the global appeal of the Chinese language to the broader worldview of Chinese civilization, highlighting values such as brotherhood, harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, and aspirations for universal peace.
Aboubakri Diaw, Chief of Staff to the Executive Secretary of UNECA, underscored Chinese as a language remarkable not only for its integrity but also for its continuity, precision, and depth. He described it as embodying a major intellectual tradition in which writing functions simultaneously as a practical tool, an art form, a discipline, and, at times, a philosophical medium.
Diaw noted that today’s celebration underscores the significance of multilingualism, which goes beyond translation and documentation. He emphasized that multilingualism safeguards dignity and ensures that no single voice, tradition, or perspective dominates international discourse.
Rita Bissoonauth, Director of the Liaison Office to the AU, UNESCO, and UNECA, stressed that language has the power to connect, heal, and unite. She described the Chinese language as a living memory of humanity, encompassing thousands of years of philosophy, poetry, knowledge, and innovation.
Bissoonauth highlighted UNESCO’s recognition of Chinese calligraphy as an intangible cultural heritage, explaining that the brush strokes reflect the heartbeat of a culture. She also warned that languages are increasingly under threat worldwide, noting that over 40 percent of the world’s languages are endangered, and emphasized that the disappearance of a language erases an entire “universe of thought.”
She concluded by underlining UNESCO’s advocacy for multilingualism as a foundation for peace, asserting that no voice should be silenced and no culture should be ignored. Bissoonauth called for continued appreciation of all languages, including Chinese, as part of preserving humanity’s shared heritage