Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has hailed the Greek language as a global cultural and intellectual asset, following UNESCO’s official recognition of World Greek Language Day on February 9.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the National Library of Greece, Mitsotakis said the designation confirms the universality of Greek, describing it as a language that shaped fundamental concepts of citizenship, democracy, freedom, beauty and the “golden mean”.
He noted that Greek ideas and terminology helped inspire major political milestones, including the French and American revolutions, as well as the Greek War of Independence of 1821, adding that the language served as “our bridge to the world”, positioning modern Greece at the heart of Europe and the West.
The Prime Minister highlighted Greek’s ability to articulate complex ideas, absorb and contribute vocabulary across cultures, and remain relevant in the digital age – including in algorithms and artificial intelligence.
However, he warned that technological change risks weakening language through abbreviated writing and screen-based communication, stressing that reflection and critical thinking depend on proper written expression.
“Language acts as a catalyst for growth and, in the end, for democracy,” Mr Mitsotakis said, describing the promotion of Greek as a national priority.
He added that technology could also assist in expanding Greek language education, including new approaches to teaching ancient Greek, while cautioning against the careless or distorted use of Greek in mass media.
Quoting poet George Seferis and writer Nikos Kazantzakis, Mitsotakis underlined the enduring resilience and transformative power of Greek, calling UNESCO’s recognition an acknowledgment of the language’s lasting global value.
The Prime Minister made the remarks during commemorations marking UNESCO’s designation of World Greek Language Day, which celebrates Greek as both a national treasure and a shared heritage of world civilisation.
Source: AMNA
