In a vibrant celebration of culture, the United Nations observed its 16th Chinese Language Day at the UN headquarters in New York on April 15, 2025. The event, themed “Poetic China: Rhymes and Romance,” pulsed with the essence of Chinese art through an array of poetry readings, musical performances, and exhibitions on Chinese characters, attracting over 400 diplomats, staff, and international guests who basked in the rich traditions on display.
The highlight? UN singers, clad in traditional attire, stirred emotions with their rendition of the beloved folk song “Jasmine,” a song that resonates deeply in Chinese culture. There were also readings from renowned classic texts, including the Book of Poetry and the Book of Changes; even a modern piece crafted by the Chinese AI company DeepSeek, emphasising the lyrical magic of the Chinese language.
One of the contributors, Zach Danz, a UN staff member who started learning Chinese a decade ago, shared his journey. He noted the tough hurdles faced when learning the language but highlighted the rewards of diving into Chinese culture, saying it’s enriching in unexpected ways.
Fu Cong, China’s UN ambassador, opened the ceremony with a poignant message about the central role poetry plays in the heart of the Chinese people. He pointed out that classical Chinese poetry, tracing back over 3,000 years, is a cornerstone of a vast cultural landscape. According to Fu, “Chinese is stepping ever more confidently onto the world stage, becoming a bridge that crosses cultures, fosters understanding and helps forge consensus.”
“The event is not merely about one language,” Fu added earnestly, “but a celebration of dialogue among civilizations, making it all the more vital today.”
Initiated in 2010, the UN’s Language Days aim to bolster multilingualism and cultural diversity, ensuring the six official languages—Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish—are celebrated equally. Chinese Language Day specifically falls on April 20, aligning with the traditional Chinese solar term of Guyu, which honors Cangjie, the legendary figure credited with creating Chinese characters.
Overall, the event served as a beautiful reminder of how language and culture intertwine, potentially strengthening bonds between various nations and peoples across the globe.
The UN celebrated its 16th Chinese Language Day, themed “Poetic China: Rhymes and Romance,” at its New York headquarters with poetry, music, and cultural exhibitions. The event drew over 400 attendees and featured performances, including the folk song “Jasmine.” Key figures, including UN officials and diplomats, underscored the importance of Chinese culture and language in fostering global dialogue and understanding, highlighting the role of multilingualism.
The UN’s 16th Chinese Language Day brought together diplomats and staff in a celebration of Chinese culture through poetry, music, and art. With powerful messages about the importance of dialogue and understanding across cultures, it spotlighted the intricate beauty of the Chinese language. Fu Cong’s remarks highlighted the growing influence of Chinese on the world stage, underscoring the significance of multilingualism in fostering international communication. The day was not just a commemoration, but a collective step towards embracing cultural diversity.
Original Source: english.news.cn
