Addis Ababa, 14 May 2025 (ECA) — The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in partnership with the diplomatic missions of Spanish-speaking countries in Addis Ababa, hosted Spanish Language Day with a vibrant celebration that brought together diplomats, UN staff, and guests to honour the richness and global significance of the Spanish language and cultures.
In remarks delivered on his behalf, Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of ECA, noted, “This day is more than just a celebration; it offers a unique opportunity to highlight the cultural, historical, and social richness of this magnificent language.” He highlighted its role as a global bridge for communication, diversity, and exchange, and recognized its enduring legacy in literature and the arts.
He added: “Spanish embodies a veritable living heritage, conveying the history, the struggles, the dreams, and the aspirations of so many communities through the ages. It is the common thread running through conversations that transcend geographical borders, uniting peoples and cultures.
Mr. Gatete paid tribute to those dedicated to preserving and enriching Spanish, while keeping alive the cultural heritage that it conveys: “I would like to pay tribute to all those who, day after day, work to promote this language and culture: teachers, students, writers, translators, researchers and performers. Their dedication, passion and commitment are essential to preserving and enriching Spanish, while keeping alive the cultural heritage that it conveys.”
The Executive Secretary extended warm thanks to the ambassadors and diplomatic representatives accredited to Addis Ababa, as well as to ECA staff, whose dedication and support were instrumental in making the celebration a success.
Speaking at the event, Rita Bissoonauth, Director of UNESCO’s Liaison Office to the African Union and ECA, emphasized the importance of language as a vessel of identity, creativity, and shared heritage. She reaffirmed UNESCO’s support for cultural diversity and inclusive humanism: “UNESCO believes that heritage must not be frozen in time. It must live, grow, adapt—and most importantly, be passed on..” she added.
The event featured poetry readings, a performance of the Cuban classic Guantanamera, and a traditional Nicaraguan dance, "Nicaragua Mia", by students from Cambridge Academy. Ambassadors from Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Spain shared reflections on the language’s beauty and diversity.
Colombian Ambassador Yeison Aradio Meneses Copete emphasized the importance of linguistic diversity, referencing Colombia’s own multilingual heritage, which includes Spanish, Creole languages, and over 65 indigenous tongues. “This linguistic ecology enriches the soul of our nation,” he said. “Let us use this occasion to recognize the plural linguistic and historical memory that inhabits us and brings us closer to one another.”
ECA’s Marcel Balboa, Chief of Publications and Conference Management, thanked all participants, noting the celebration as an opportunity to honour a language spoken by over 500 million people and to deepen cultural ties.
The event concluded with a reception featuring traditional dishes from Spanish-speaking countries.
Although UN Spanish Language Day is officially observed on 23 April in honour of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, author of Don Quixote, ECA marked the occasion on 14 May due to scheduling considerations.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org