This historic resolution highlights Kiswahili's role in fostering unity, socio-economic development, and cultural diversity
The United Nations General Assembly – the main policymaking body of the UN – in July adopted a historic resolution recognising 7th July as the World Kiswahili Language Day.
( July 25, 2024 ). This was a big move. The UN resolution, tabled by Tanzania and Kenya on behalf of the African Group in New York, recognises the role played by Kiswahili language in promoting peace, unity, socio-economic development and cultural diversity, as well as creating awareness and fostering dialogues among peoples.
While hailing this move, Prof. Kimani Njogu a scholar and communications expert based in Nairobi said: “It is now only a matter of time before Kiswahili becomes one of the official languages of the United Nations.”
Similar views have been held by many Kiswahili enthusiasts around the world, including the popular Kiswahili poet, Nuhu Bakari from Kenya. It is a move in the right direction, given the spread of Kiswahili in the world which is now ranked by UNESCO as the 10th most widely spoken language globally, with over 200 million speakers spread across the world.
Three years ago in 2021, UNESCO, the UN agency that promotes education, scientific and cultural issues, proclaimed 7th July as the World Kiswahili Day in recognition of the global relevance of Kiswahili as a language of global communication.
This story was originally published by Africa Renewal
