Riyadh, December 11, 2024 — Under the esteemed patronage of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language, the academy launched the World Arabic Language Day 2024 celebrations at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. The event, organized in cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s permanent mission to the United Nations, was held under the theme, "Arabic Language and Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage."
The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, Secretary-General of the King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language. In his address, Dr. Al-Washmi emphasized Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in promoting the Arabic language globally, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030. He highlighted the Kingdom’s unique position as the birthplace of both the Arabic language and the Holy Quran, reinforcing the importance of preserving Arabic as an essential component of cultural identity. Dr. Al-Washmi also reflected on the significance of the event's theme, noting the increasing global awareness regarding the role of the Arabic language, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and innovation.
As part of the celebrations, Dr. Al-Washmi pointed to the significant contributions of the King Salman Global Academy in fostering the Arabic language. With operations in over 60 countries, the academy is a key institution in promoting Arabic’s status worldwide and developing tools to teach and disseminate it both locally and internationally. He also underscored the historical achievement of Arabic being recognized as one of the six official languages of the United Nations in 1973, a milestone that cemented the language's place in international diplomacy and global discourse.
The event, which marks the fourth consecutive year of World Arabic Language Day celebrations, attracted a distinguished audience, including UN diplomats, international figures, and prominent representatives from the Kingdom. Among the attendees were the Undersecretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, the Coordinator for Multilingualism at the United Nations, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of the General Assembly, along with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the Deputy Permanent Observer of the Arab League to the United Nations.
World Arabic Language Day 2024 is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the presence of the Arabic language within international organizations, promoting its rich cultural and scientific heritage, and ensuring its continued relevance and recognition on the global stage. The event serves as part of a broader initiative by the King Salman Global Academy to enhance the appreciation of the Arabic language and its crucial role in shaping contemporary global discourse.
