Exhibition “China’s Nvshu” on the occasion of Chinese Language Day

Ambassador Ma,
Ms. Hu Xin [artist]
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you all to the opening of this very special exhibition celebrating Chinese Language Day, one of the six Language Days established by the United Nations to promote multilingualism. I would like to thank Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu for engaging in the cultural life of the Palais des Nations so energetically and so soon after his assumption of duties and the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China for sharing the ancient tradition of Nvshu [Nu-shu] calligraphy with us here today. Nvshu may be the only gender-specific form of writing in the world and, considering the history of its origins, a testament to the power of women to overcome adversity and forge a unique cultural tradition.

The most widely spoken language in the world, the Chinese language is also one of the oldest. Throughout the ages, it has served as an enduring repository of Chinese wisdom and traditions. China is one of the greatest contributors to our common cultural heritage, with almost 40 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. An offspring of China’s exquisite calligraphic practice, Nvshu script evolved over the centuries in the Province of Hunan. Barred from schooling during the imperial era, local women developed a script of their own to cement close bonds of friendship, mark special days and enrich their crafts. While Nvshu script was nearly forgotten in the 20th century, this symbol of popular resilience and ingenuity is now being revived by the central government and the local communities.

The United Nations Organization is firmly committed to women’s empowerment as success in the pursuit of peace, rights, and well-being is only possible if we unleash the potential of women and girls. The Member States echoed this commitment in Goal Five of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Here in Geneva, UNOG and the Permanent Mission of the United States co-launched last year the International Geneva Gender Champions Initiative. This senior leaders’ network has just reached 100 Gender Champions, including the Ambassador of China, who are committed to leading by example and taking concrete actions to advance gender equality. It is my hope that more permanent missions and international organizations will join this effort in protecting and promoting women’s rights, and that tonight’s exhibition will give them inspiration to do so.

谢谢你们 [Xìe xìe nĭmen]

Thank you very much.