World Kishwahili Language Day: 07 July

World Kiswahili Day is celebrated on the 7th of July every year following a declaration by UNESCO member states in this regard. Kiswahili is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa and the most widely spoken in sub-Saharan Africa. Kiswahili is also the only African language that is an official language of the African Union.

World Kishwahili Language Day 2022: Theme

This first celebration of the World Kiswahili language day will be held under the theme ‘Kiswahili for peace and prosperity’. The mission of the annual celebration is to promote the use of Kiswahili language as a beacon for peace, and enhanced multiculturalism.

World Kishwahili Language Day 2022: Significance

The event will serve as a platform for promoting the potential of Kiswahili to achieve both the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. Member States, UN organizations, civil society, academia and youth representatives will participate in the event and share their knowledge on how to preserve Kiswahili and promote its unique cultural identity.

World Kishwahili Language Day: History

In November 2021 at its 41st Session in Paris, the General Conference of UNESCO declared July 7th World Kiswahili Language Day. By Resolution 41 C/61, Member States recognized the critical role played by Kiswahili in promoting cultural diversity, creating awareness, and fostering dialogue among civilizations. On July 7th 2022, the Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations and UNESCO will held the first international celebration of the World’s Kiswahili Language Day at the United Nations Headquarter in New York.

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