PURPOSE: The Chinese Language Day at U.N. celebrates multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote the use of Chinese. The date of April 20th as the U.N. Chinese Day was selected to pay tribute to Cangjie. Cangjie is a very important figure in ancient China, claimed to be an official historian of the Yellow Emperor and the inventor of Chinese characters. Chinese was established as an official language of the United Nations in 1946. However, in early years, Chinese was not commonly used in the work of the United Nations. The situation was improved after restoration of the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations in 1971. All the United Nations offices and staff members work in Chinese language.
FORUM: "Celebrating the day Guyu in honor of Cangjie." Chinese language Day 2025. The date for the Chinese day was selected from Guyu ("Rain of Millet"), which is the 6th of 24 solar terms in the traditional East Asian calendars, to pay tribute to Cangjie. Follow the conversations with the hashtags:#learnChinese, #chineselanguageday, #20April, #Chineselanguage.
EVENTS: At UNHQ in New York, On April 20th; The Chinese Book Club Language Day will consist of three segments: a short Chinese music performance, a talk and a round-table discussion. During the roundtable, the young Chinese creators will share their insights with the audience. Following by the 24 Solar Terms: Fifth Great Invention of Ancient China and an Exhibition. The events to mark the Chinese language Day 2025 observance will be co-hosted by the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Security Council, The Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the U.N.; The Department of Public Information, the Department of General Assembly Conferences and Meetings (DGACM); The United Nations Interpreters, the United Nations Multimedia, the United Nations Radio. With the participation of the U.N. Member states, Specialized agencies, translators and academics.
At UN Geneva; The Opening Ceremony of the UN Chinese Language Day 2025 Celebration entitled "Poetic China: Rhymes and Romance". includes opening remarks, a poetry recital, and live performance, which will offer a unique opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in the aesthetic appeal and distinctive rhythm of the language. Watch the livestream!
At UNESCO HQ in Paris; On 15-19 April 202'5 from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (GMT); The Délégation de Chine will organize a meeting with Member States and Institutions for the Celebration of the United Nations Chinese Language Day 2025.
Around the World; In addition, the United Nations offices in Geneva, Vienna, as well as the Economic Commission for Africa and UN peacekeeping missions will host exhibitions, lectures, online campaigns to mark the day.
CONCERT: The United Nations Singers are a recreational choir formed in 1947 under the UN Staff Recreation Council to spread the message of harmony and understanding through music.
PODCASTS: In 1973, the United Nations General Assembly included Chinese as a working language, which was followed by the United Nations Security Council in 1974. More and more UN offices and staff members work with Chinese language. Listen the audio podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: "Promote use of Chinese Language." Get the comunication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
Since 1948; We observe the day to share the chinese culture, heritage and traditions with the U.N. Staff, their families, retired staff members, delegation members, members of the press accredited to the U.N., persons under contractual status with the United Nations, and members of organizations with United Nations accredited NGO status and their families.
GET INVOLVED!
To stimulate, coordinate, advise and assist all groups formed for the purpose of the day.
Get acess to the UNSRC Clubs Listing
If you would like to join any club, please call or email the contact from the listing in the link above.
ORGANIZERS
In celebration of United Nations Chinese Language Day is hosted by the U.N. DGACM, the UNESCO; the UN Radio Chinese, the Permanent Mission of China to the U.N.; the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS), UNSRC Chinese Book Club.