Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter

World Arabic Language Day is celebrated at the UN by the King Salman Academy for Arabic.

Share your love

**Titular:**
*Arabic & AI: Heritage Meets Innovation*

**Intro:**
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, under Prince Badr bin Abdullah’s patronage, launched World Arabic Language Day 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York. Centered on “Arabic Language and Artificial Intelligence,” the event highlighted efforts to merge technological advancement with cultural preservation, aligning with Vision 2030’s global linguistic and heritage goals.

**Factbox (50w):**
– **Date/Location:** Dec 11, 2024 | UN HQ, New York
– **Host:** King Salman Global Academy, supported by Saudi UN Mission
– **Theme:** Arabic’s role in AI innovation and heritage preservation
– **Attendees:** UN diplomats, Saudi officials, Arab League representatives
– **Key Fact:** Arabic became a UN official language in 1973; academy operates in 60+ countries.

**World Arabic Language Day 2024 Celebrates Arabic and AI in New York, Reinforcing Global Cultural Heritage**
*Riyadh, December 11, 2024* — Under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture, the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language launched the 2024 World Arabic Language Day celebrations at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Co-organized with Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the UN, this year’s event spotlighted the intersection of tradition and modernity with its theme, *“Arabic Language and Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage.”*

### **A Visionary Opening: Bridging Language, Technology, and Identity**
The ceremony commenced with a keynote address by Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, Secretary-General of the King Salman Global Academy, who underscored Saudi Arabia’s leadership in advancing the Arabic language globally. Aligning with **Saudi Vision 2030**, Dr. Al-Washmi emphasized the Kingdom’s dual legacy as the cradle of the Arabic language and the Quran, stating:
> *“Arabic is not merely a means of communication—it is the vessel of our identity, history, and values. As AI reshapes global innovation, we must ensure it becomes a tool to amplify Arabic’s reach while safeguarding its timeless heritage.”*

He highlighted the academy’s efforts to develop AI-driven educational tools and linguistic resources, operating across **60+ countries** to teach Arabic and empower its integration into technology, from machine translation to content creation.

### **Arabic at the UN: A Legacy of Global Influence**
A focal point of the event was the 50th anniversary of Arabic’s recognition as one of the **six official UN languages** in 1973. Dr. Al-Washmi reflected on this milestone, noting how it solidified Arabic’s role in international diplomacy and multilateral dialogue. Today, the academy continues this legacy by collaborating with UN bodies to promote multilingualism and ensure Arabic’s active use in global policymaking.

### **AI as a Catalyst for Cultural Preservation**
The theme sparked discussions on balancing technological advancement with heritage conservation. Experts explored how AI can:
– **Revolutionize Arabic NLP** (Natural Language Processing) for more accurate translation and voice recognition.
– **Digitize historical manuscripts** and oral traditions to protect them from physical degradation.
– **Enhance accessibility** through AI-powered learning platforms for non-native speakers.

However, speakers cautioned against over-reliance on technology, stressing the need for human oversight to preserve Arabic’s linguistic nuances and cultural depth.

### **Global Collaboration in the Heart of Diplomacy**
The high-profile gathering drew diplomats, linguists, and cultural leaders, including:
– Ms. Movses Abelian, UN Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs.
– H.E. Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN.
– Representatives from UNESCO and the Arab League.

Their presence underscored the international community’s growing recognition of Arabic’s value in fostering cross-cultural understanding and innovation.

### **Saudi Arabia’s Stewardship of Arabic: A Vision 2030 Priority**
The event reinforced Saudi Arabia’s commitment to positioning Arabic as a language of the future. Through initiatives like the **Global Arabic Language Corpus** and partnerships with tech giants, the Kingdom aims to:
1. **Standardize Arabic digital content** for AI systems.
2. **Support startups** focused on Arabic-language technologies.
3. **Elevate Arabic’s status** in academia, science, and global media.

**Conclusion: A Language for Tomorrow’s World**
World Arabic Language Day 2024 not only celebrated Arabic’s rich past but also charted a path for its dynamic future. By harnessing AI responsibly, Saudi Arabia and the King Salman Global Academy are ensuring that Arabic remains a vibrant, living language—one that bridges civilizations and drives progress in an increasingly interconnected world.

*For media inquiries, contact the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language at [email protected].*


**Tags:** Arabic Language, Artificial Intelligence, Saudi Vision 2030, Cultural Heritage, King Salman Global Academy, UNESCO, United Nations
**Categories:** Culture, Technology, Saudi Arabia, International Relations

**FAQs: World Arabic Language Day 2024 Celebrations at the United Nations**

1. **Who is the primary patron of the 2024 World Arabic Language Day event, and what role does he hold in Saudi Arabia’s cultural initiatives?**
Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the King Salman Global Academy’s Board of Trustees, sponsored the event, underscoring his leadership in advancing cultural diplomacy.

2. **What is the significance of the 2024 theme, “Arabic Language and Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage”?**
The theme highlights the balance between leveraging AI for linguistic innovation and safeguarding Arabic’s historical roots, addressing modern technological integration without compromising cultural identity.

3. **How does Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 align with the goals of the World Arabic Language Day celebrations?**
Vision 2030 emphasizes cultural preservation and global engagement, aligning with the event’s aim to strengthen Arabic’s global presence through education, technology, and international collaboration.

4. **What key achievements did Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi highlight regarding the King Salman Global Academy’s work?**
He noted the academy’s operations in 60+ countries, development of Arabic teaching tools, and efforts to elevate the language’s status in global diplomacy and education.

5. **Why was the United Nations headquarters in New York chosen as the venue for this event?**
Hosting it at the UN underscores Arabic’s role as an official UN language since 1973 and amplifies its relevance in multilateral diplomacy and global discourse.

6. **How does the event address the intersection of AI and the Arabic language?**
It explores AI’s potential to innovate Arabic language processing, translation, and education while ensuring these advancements respect and preserve its linguistic heritage.

7. **What historical milestone related to Arabic and the UN was commemorated during the event?**
The 50th anniversary of Arabic’s designation as a UN official language in 1973 was acknowledged, celebrating its role in international diplomacy and cross-cultural communication.

8. **Which notable attendees participated in the World Arabic Language Day celebrations?**
Attendees included UN diplomats, Saudi Ambassador to the UN, Arab League representatives, and senior UN officials focused on multilingualism and General Assembly operations.

9. **How does the King Salman Global Academy promote Arabic language education globally?**
The academy develops pedagogical resources, partners with institutions worldwide, and advocates for Arabic’s integration into AI systems to enhance its accessibility and relevance.

10. **Why is Saudi Arabia uniquely positioned to lead initiatives preserving the Arabic language?**
As the birthplace of Arabic and the Quran, the Kingdom combines cultural authority with strategic investments in education and technology to drive global linguistic preservation.

11. **What role did Saudi Arabia’s permanent UN mission play in organizing the event?**
The mission facilitated collaboration with the UN, ensuring the event’s alignment with international frameworks and maximizing its visibility among global stakeholders.

12. **How does the event contribute to multilingualism at the United Nations?**
By celebrating Arabic’s official UN status, it reinforces the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering inclusive dialogue and equitable representation within international institutions.

13. **What long-term goals does the King Salman Global Academy have for the Arabic language?**
Goals include expanding AI-driven language tools, increasing Arabic’s digital footprint, and establishing partnerships to promote its use in academia, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

14. **How does the connection between Arabic and the Holy Quran influence preservation efforts?**
The Quran’s linguistic purity serves as a foundation for initiatives to protect Arabic from dilution, ensuring its theological and cultural integrity remains intact for future generations.

15. **What distinguishes the 2024 celebrations from previous World Arabic Language Day events?**
This year emphasized AI’s transformative potential for Arabic, coupled with heightened international participation, reflecting growing global recognition of the language’s strategic and cultural value.

**CTA:**
¿Te interesa ser parte de la revolución cultural y tecnológica del árabe? **Visita el sitio web de la King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language** para descubrir sus programas, recursos educativos y oportunidades de colaboración. ¡Únete a la misión de preservar el legado lingüístico árabe mientras impulsas la innovación del futuro!

**Conclusión:**
La celebración del Día Mundial de la Lengua Árabe 2024 en la sede de la ONU no solo refuerza el papel central del idioma en la identidad cultural y la diplomacia global, sino que también subraya su relevancia en la era de la inteligencia artificial. Bajo el liderazgo de Arabia Saudita, iniciativas como las de la King Salman Global Academy demuestran que es posible equilibrar la preservación del patrimonio con la adopción de tecnologías innovadoras. Este evento marca un hito más en el camino hacia el cumplimiento de la Visión 2030, posicionando al árabe como un puente entre tradición y modernidad en el escenario internacional.

**Agradecimiento:**
Agradecemos profundamente al Príncipe Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, al Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi y a la misión permanente de Arabia Saudita ante la ONU por su incansable compromiso con la promoción de la lengua árabe. Extendemos también nuestro reconocimiento a los diplomáticos, representantes internacionales y aliados globales que participaron en este evento, reafirmando que la diversidad lingüística es un pilar fundamental para el diálogo intercultural y el progreso humano.

Abida Ahmad
Abida Ahmad
Articles: 77

Stay informed and not overwhelmed, subscribe now!