The Australian Hellenic Council (AHC) has written to Australia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Greer Alblas, requesting an explanation for the government’s decision not to support the recent proposal to designate 9 February as UNESCO World Greek Language Day.
The historic vote, which took place in mid-April 2025, saw 87 UNESCO member states—including major global players such as China, Germany, Egypt, Argentina, India, Italy, and South Korea—co-sponsoring the proposal. Despite this broad international support, Australia abstained from endorsing the initiative, prompting concern among the Greek Australian community.
In a formal letter dated 22 April 2025, signed by AHC President Peter Stefanidis and Secretary Dean Kalimniou, the Council expressed its surprise and disappointment at the Australian government’s stance, especially considering the country’s significant Greek-speaking population and the longstanding contribution of Hellenism to Australian society.
“We note with surprise, given the large population of Greek-speaking people in Australia, their long presence within our country which goes back over one hundred years, and the fact that Greek is one of nine Australian priority languages, that Australia did not support the proposal and did not vote in favour of its adoption,” the letter states.
The AHC has asked Ambassador Alblas to provide clarity on the reasoning behind Australia’s decision and is awaiting a response.
The outcome has sparked broader debate within the Greek Australian community, with many questioning how a language formally recognised as a priority in national policy could be overlooked in such a globally significant forum.
 has written to Australia's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Greer Alblas.){kind=link}