Exhibition “Chinese Etiquette: Paper cuts exhibition on the occasion of Chinese Language Day”

Ambassador Wu Hailong,
Excellencies,
Dear colleagues and friends:

The Director-General of UNOG, Mr. Michael Moller, is unfortunately away from Geneva and unable to attend this event tonight marking Chinese Language Day. He has asked me to represent him and convey the following message to you.

In 2010, the UN Secretariat introduced Language Days to mark the six official languages –Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish – as part of wider efforts to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity in the Organization. Under the initiative, United Nations duty stations around the world are encouraged to celebrate the six “Language Days”. These Days strive to entertain as well as inform, by raising awareness of the history, culture and achievements of each of the six official languages among the United Nations community. It is a way for the UN family to promote unity in diversity as well as international understanding and learn more about the importance of cross-cultural communication.

It is also a way to remind ourselves of the importance of multilingualism, which is precious and should not only be protected but promoted. Our governance systems are based on the right for people to express themselves in the language of their preference. All of us can – and must –promote this important right. Because multilingualism is not an end in itself. It renders the action of the United Nations more effective, whether in operational or advocacy activities, and it helps the intergovernmental negotiation process. It is also a reflection of the diversity of our world, where 7,000 languages are spoken.

But today, we celebrate Chinese Language Day . I believe that 20 April was chosen to pay tribute to Cang Jie, who is presumed to have invented Chinese characters about 5,000 years ago. One of the oldest languages in the world, Chinese has archaeological records pointing back at least 4,000 years and is now spoken by more than a billion people. The language has several thousand dialects, but Mandarin is spoken by the majority of the people of China and understood by an estimated 95 per cent.

This wonderful exhibition consists of 32 Chinese paper cuts as well as information on this ancient art form which is inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It is a century old tradition, transmitted from generation to generation throughout the ages. While the tools and technology used may vary from region to region and may have evolved along the years, it retains its incredibly delicate beauty. Like many other true art forms, it unites people in a common history and aesthetic ideal while allowing individuals to express their emotions and showcase their talents.

I would like to thank very sincerely the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China, therefore, for setting up this beautiful exhibition and wish you all a very pleasant evening.