UNESCO has unanimously approved the designation of February 9 as World Greek Language Day, marking a major milestone in the global recognition of the Greek language’s cultural significance.
The decision, adopted by UNESCO’s Executive Council on April 14 with the support of 87 member states, was hailed by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the result of years of coordinated diplomatic efforts.
The ministry noted the move “recognises the universal nature and global contribution of the Greek language to humanity’s cultural inheritance,” citing its unbroken 40-century oral and 35-century written traditions, and its impact on European languages and scientific terminology.
The official proclamation will take place at UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in November 2025.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also expressed pride in the announcement, calling it “an undoubted success of our cultural diplomacy.”
He said Greeks everywhere would celebrate the honour, which also serves as a tribute to national poet Dionysios Solomos, who died on February 9.
Mitsotakis added that every year, the world will honour the vehicle carrying the values of the country that gave birth to democracy.”
PASOK-KINAL leader Nikos Androulakis welcomed the move as a “victory of great symbolism,” and highlighted his party’s role in initiating a Greek parliamentary resolution on the issue in May 2024.
Philippos Fortomas, New Democracy MP and Chair of the Greek Parliament’s Special Committee on Hellenism in the Diaspora, also praised the designation as a “historic moment for Hellenism.”
He emphasised the committee’s contribution to advancing the initiative through public dialogue and coordination with Greece’s UNESCO delegation.
“The Greek language is a bridge of culture and identity. Its international recognition strengthens us and obliges us to continue the effort to disseminate and support it,” Fortomas said.
