On 13 April, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kenya, and the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), jointly hosted the 2026 United Nations Chinese Language Day with the theme “Characters Endure, Civilization Shines”. H.E. Mrs. Guo Haiyan, Ambassador of China to Kenya and Permanent Representative of China to UNEP and UN-Habitat, and H.E. Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of UNON, delivered remarks. Over 100 guests attended the event, including members of the diplomatic corps in Kenya, United Nations staff, and faculty and students from the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University.

  Ambassador Guo introduced the historical features and contemporary significance of Chinese calligraphy. She noted that calligraphy embodies the values of harmony without uniformity, a view of civilization based on equality and mutual learning, and a worldview of harmonious coexistence. She also introduced major initiatives and concepts proposed by President Xi Jinping, including the Global Civilization Initiative and the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and elaborated on the profound significance of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

  Ms. Bangura stated that the rich connotations embodied in Chinese calligraphy are highly consistent with the spirit of multilateralism. She spoke highly of China’s active participation in United Nations affairs and its strengthened cooperation with Africa, and called on all parties to enhance dialogue, respect diversity, and uphold solidarity and inclusiveness in building a better world.