World Kiswahili Language Day 2026 At UNON

Hamjambu.

Karibuni sana. Jinsi aku asalama na, jinsi aku epuka hatari zozote. Hayani ma funzo amba yo wendelea marakwamara, kwevim kiskia kingora, mkionao atuaki kimbia, ni drili akawa ida. Msiwenu asiwasi, sisituendelea kuketi na kufrahi kia sawa. Ladies and gentlemen, at the UN, you might hear an alarm go off. You might hear— you might see people running. It's a normal drill at the UN. So do not panic. They are just running a normal routine drill about our security and all that. So please remain seated and enjoy Swahili Day. Don't run out. We need you here, okay? Thank you so much. Mohammed.

Hello, everyone. Welcome again, another language day celebration. My name is Mohammed Asi. I'm the multilingualism focal point of UNON, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here. I'm not going to dwell on— I'm not going to speak long. I would like to welcome His Excellency the Commissioner of Tanzania. He's with us. Welcome Her Excellency the Director-General and the representative of the Kenyan government. She's with us. And I would like to say that multilingualism has been a tool that we have exploited to the maximum in bringing people together, i.e., delegates, staff members, technicians, guests from outside. Everyone is here together under the banner of promoting multilingualism. So without further ado, I would like to welcome again all their excellencies, the ambassadors, the permanent representatives who are with us, and I leave you in the hands of someone who is very capable, who is going to be our master of ceremony. But before that, I would like to thank the office— the office of the Director General. I can hear myself, and that's okay. I've never heard myself speak before. Okay, so the office of the Director General has been there since day one of the preparation, actually not only for this language but for all languages. And we thank them for that. We thank Sylvia, who has— she's going to be our master of ceremony, who has played a major part in bringing you all together here in this room. So without further ado, I would like to leave you in the hands, the capable hands of Sylvia, who is going to be our master of ceremony. Thank you very much.

Mabibi na mabuana waliyofika hapaa. Vijana wetu wa nawaendelea kuingya karibu sana Karura School. Wana funzi kto kaviyo mbali mbali shule za Msingi na shule za Upili.

Hamjambu.

Habarizenu. Hungeni nangu vungopo wa. Muriega. Muriega. Mulembe. Wimseo. Ivinadi. Isosoteni salamu zake Afrika. All those are greetings in the various African languages. Karibuni sana, Huku Kuetu. I know clearing at the gate might be taking long. As others join, please, they will find us going on. Your Excellency and our dear mama, Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura. Your Excellency, Dr. Bernard Kibese, the High Commissioner of Tanzania to Kenya. Our lecturer, who is also on the way from the University of Nairobi, our focal point Multilingualism, Mr. Mohamed Assi, all invited guests, I observe all protocol and welcome you here. Today we are standing here to celebrate Swahili Day. We have those people who are making their first baby steps of Swahili and trying to say, "Jambo bwana, jambo bibi." We have those people who are saying, "Hakuna Matata." To all those people, who are strongly mature individuals of this beautiful language and culture. Tuna sema karibuni sana, namjihisi nyumbani. I'm not sure if we should tell the Swahili babies that Hakuna Matata, Pumbaa are not Swahili words, they are in between there, but you feel free and use the words and the culture. Swahili is a very beautiful language, And for this reason, we celebrate it. Swahili is a pure blend of African culture, and that is why we are here today. A blend of all of us seated here. Ki Swahili ni kitamu ya manyi, ki na Pendeza, ku ki Ong'ea na ku ki Skiliza. Over 200 million people speak this beautiful language, and here at the UN, we have roughly in a year, 50 students learning Swahili. Swahili is being celebrated globally yesterday, and today we celebrate it here at the UN. The biggest celebration was held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. It is so important that we say asante sana to the United Nations that gave Swahili its own full recognition, and this recognition is the reason as to why we are celebrating today. Swahili is the first and only African language to get its own official UN Day. Because of that recognition, we are gathered here today, and because of that recognition, we celebrate Swahili every year on July 7th. Also, here in Kenya, July 7th is famously known as Sabasaba, which is a historical to date in Kenya. I hope a time comes when UNESCO, both here in Nairobi and in Paris, a division that is handling Kiswahili, the interpretation division here at the UN, and the teaching division of the Talent Management Center can come together as one office and have an office called Swahili Office here at the UN. And the UN becomes the Swahili hub. We have made huge strides, and we still have some grounds to cover. As I wrap up and we continue with the program, I want to say that, "Sisi niki Swahili, nakiswahili ni Sisi. Ukiona kisuahili, umetuona. Na, ukituona, umeo na kisuahili." I find inspiration in the words of Martin Luther King, And I also dare say I too have a dream, a dream that one day all African nations will be united in one African language, Kiswahili. From our youngest kid representative today— represented here today, I think she's around 8 years old— to all the Parklands Baptists, please come in. They're just coming in. Our youngest kid should be in that team. From our youngest kid, who is represented here, a lover of Swahili, to the oldest seated here, let us love, let us protect, let us preserve, and let us prosper Kiswahili. Asante nisana wa kunisikiliza, Kiswahili kitukuzwe. Thank you very much for listening to me. Viva Swahili. At this point, Your Excellency and our mother, Ms. Zainab, may I take this opportunity to welcome you so that you may have a word with us? Karibu.

Thank you very much. Your Excellency, Dr. Bernard Johanna Kibesi, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to the Republic of Kenya. Your Excellency, Ambassador Catherine, representing the government of Kenya. Excellencies, distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Karibuni sana. It is a distinct honor to welcome you to the United Nations office at Nairobi as we gather to celebrate the World Kiswahili Language Day, an occasion that reminds us of the enduring power of language to unite peoples, deepen mutual understanding, and advance our shared aspiration for peace, dignity, and sustainable development. Today, we celebrate far more than a language. We honor a living expression of identity, heritage, resilience, and solidarity, one that has connected communities across the African continent, enriched global culture, and carried African thoughts, creativity, and diplomacy onto the world stage. Kiswahili occupies a singular place in our world.— as you heard from the MC— is spoken by more than 200 million people. It is among Africa's most widely used languages and a vital means of communication across East, Central, and Southern Africa. Its recognition within the United Nations system affirms the importance of African languages, African knowledge systems, and African cultural leadership in shaping global dialogue. For those of us gathering in this room, representing nations, institutions, and peoples, language is not an abstract concern. It is the very medium through which diplomacy is practiced, trust is built, agreements are forged, and collective action becomes possible. Multilingualism is therefore not only a cultural value, it is a diplomatic necessity. It enables inclusion, strengthens participation, and ensures that the promise of the United Nations—peace, dignity, equality, and opportunity for all—can be heard, understood, and owned by the people we serve. Kiswahili embodies this promise. Historically, it served as a language of exchange, trade, cooperation, and encounter along the East African coast and far beyond. Today, it continues to transcend borders, bridge generations, and offer a shared vocabulary for unity in diversity. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, The elevation of Kiswahili as an official working language of the African Union was a milestone of profound diplomatic significance. It affirmed that integration is not built only through treaties and institutions, but also through the language in which people recognize themselves, deliberate together, and imagine a common future. This year's theme, Kiswahili for Global Unity and Sustainable Development is both timely and instructive. It reminds us that sustainable development is not achieved through policy alone. It requires communication, ownership, cultural confidence, and the full participation of communities. From education and youth empowerment to climate action, Governance, trade, innovation, and cultural preservation. Kiswahili offers a powerful channel for reaching people, sharing knowledge, and mobilizing action in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. When people receive information in a language they understand, and when they can contribute in a language that carries their identity and experience, we unlock not only comprehension, but agency, innovation, and transformation. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to express sincere appreciation to the government of Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, member states, cultural and academic institutions, and all partners whose leadership and commitment have made this celebration possible. Kenya, as the host country of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, holds a special place in this commemoration. Here in Nairobi, where Kiswahili is heard in daily life, public service, culture, and diplomacy, we are reminded that language is not only spoken, it is lived. We are reminded Kenya— it's lived. Kenya continues championing of Kiswahili, reflects the language's deep roots in the region. And its growing relevance in global affairs. As we celebrate World Kiswahili Language Day, let us also look ahead with ambition and purpose. Let us work together to, first, advance the meaningful use of Kiswahili in international and regional systems. Two, promote language inclusion in education, governance, and public communication. Three, support cultural exchange Scholarship, creative industries, and digital innovation. 4, empower young people as custodians, innovators, and ambassadors of language and heritage. In closing, let us reaffirm that Kiswahili is not only a language of heritage, it's a language of possibilities. It is a language of diplomacy, education, Creativity, enterprise, and peace. It carries memory, but it also carries momentum. May today's celebration renew our collective commitment to multilingualism, to cultural identity, and to multilateralism that listens more deeply, speaks more inclusively, and serves humanity more effectively. And may Kiswahili continue to inspire unity across borders. Dialogue across cultures, and progress for present and future generations. Asante sana. Thank you.

Nani kamama mama. She's our mother, so we get the warmth from her. For those who didn't know, and for those who are just arriving, That is our DG, Ms. Zainab. Thank you so much, Madam Director General. Indeed, Kiswahili's global journey has been greatly enriched by the contribution of the people and the government of the United Republic of Tanzania. And at this point, I would like to welcome a very special guest, a guest who is here with us, and we are really glad that we have some students from Tanzania who are also attending this conference here. So the students from Tanzania, your papa is here and is going to address us. Therefore, karibu sana, Your Excellency Dr. Bernard Wai Kibese, High Commissioner of Tanzania to Kenya. Makofi jamani!

Your Excellency, Madame Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Nahuio Kwakiswahili, Ngependa Kum tamulisha kama nkulugienzi mku wa ofisisi za Umonja wa Mataifa zirizoko hapadedini Nairobi. Excellencies, my fellow High Commissioners, and ambassadors who are present here. Your Excellency Balosi Kathelin, representing the government of Kenya, our Director for Matlingo, here in the UN, UN officials and colleagues from different missions, students from various schools, from lower elementary school to higher learning institution, We are so much delighted for your attendance in numbers. Asanteni sana, karibuni sana, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Habari asbui. No, I think that does not represent the Swahili. Habari asbui. Ah, yes, at least that. Excellencies, since we are celebrating Swahili Day, I believe you will all agree with me that it would only make sense If I read my remarks in Kiswahili, that's right? Do we agree? Yeah. And you know what? My friends from Kenya will help me to interpret this. Thank you. Kwanza Kabisa. Kwaniyaba ya Selikali ya Jamuhundi ya Mungano wa Tanzania. Na penda kutumia na Fasihi kushukuru oficia mkrugenzi mkuu wa oficia omodia o mataifa hapa Nairobi. Kwakuni alika kati kahaflahi irikweza kushereke apamoja nasi lugayetu azim, lugaya amani upendo namshkamano, lugaya kiswahili. Asante nisana, Mama Hawa Bangura, Nao Enzio. Kwaku Fane Kisha Sikuhii. But again, before I confuse you, at least let me translate what I just said to be sure that at least the courtesies are captured well. So I will say what I said, that on behalf of the government of the United The public of Tanzania. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Office of the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi for inviting me to this event and celebrating together with us our noble language, the language of peace. Love and solidarity, the Kiswahili language. Thank you very much. And from that moment now, allow me to continue my remarks in Swahili. Leo hi. Tanzania inasimama hapaa kwa fahari kubwa. Kungana na ulimwengu kwazi mishasi kuyakiswahili dunyani. Lugahi haisungu munzutu bali inaishindaniyetu, ni urithi wetu, ni utambulisho wetu, na daradialeto ku Kwelekere Maendeleo. Nduguzangu, Uwatemleho Huzulia Hapa. Mazimisho ya mwa kahuu, ya natupa dira muhimu kupitiya kaolimbiu yetu, ki Swahili, kwaamani, mchikamano na diplomacia ya kiu chumi dunyani. Kaolimbiu hi inatu kumbusha wadibueto mku. Kiswahili. Kiritu unganisha kama taifa moja. Laini makabila zaidi ya miya moja ishirini bila ubaguzi. Non ba nero dia hapaa. Tanzania. Inamakabila zaidi ya miya moja ishirini ambariote. Ya miunganishwa na Kiswahili. Lugahi ime kwachombo chetu kiku chaku tatua migogoro kujenga udugu na kuenesa amani kati kawakanda wa Afrika mashariki kusi nimo Afrika. Hatues kwanama ndeleo bila amani, na hatues kwanamani bila mawasiliano. Rusiano aqui do Hugo, não aqui história. Katia, Tanzânia. Na Quênia, o Léo Djengwa, Ju, Yamsingi e Mara. Waluga é aqui suahili. Lugahi e Mekoa aqui hongo kikuu, que nasceu futa, me paca é aqui geografia. Na kunganesha, Mioyo e Awana Ntswetu. Tanzania and Kenya. Mwisho kabisa na peda sana kwa shukuru UNESCO. UNESCO pa mondia no mondia wa mataifa, kwa udumulawao pa mondia na wasili kawote, kwa kwendeleya kutambua na kwa zimisha sekuhi Muimsana ya Kiswahili dunyani. Now, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, before I conclude, allow me to address those in this esteemed room who may not fully speak our beautiful language, and just in case the Kiswahili In case what I was speaking was too difficult for my fellow Kenyans, brothers and sisters and others, I'm not very sure. I know my sister from Oman understood me very well, but I doubt my brother from Uzbekistan. So I want to ensure that the core message of Tanzania today is universally understood. Excellencies, Kiswahili is no longer just an East African dialect, but it is also a global tool for international relations. When we talk about economic diplomacy, we are talking about using Swahili to open up trade channels across the entire African continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AFCFTA. But when we talk about peace, we are highlighting how a shared language removes cultural barriers and build political stability and friendship. Tanzania and Kenya stand together today as a shining example of how a common language can turn two distinct nations into peaceful, prosperous brothers and sisters. And that's what we do between Kenya and Tanzania. We invite the global community, the academic institutions, and development partners to partner with us. We invite you to invest in Kiswahili, integrate it into your different educational platforms, and use it as a language of global business. By embracing Swahili, you are embracing the future of Africa. Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, with these few words, I wish you a happy Kiswahili Day. Nawa takia sikunjema na pochele kea rugahi azim ya Kiswahili. À santé, Nisana, quoi qu'on dise, qui soit hideux, qui soit hideux. À santé.

Asante sana, Balosi. Mweshimiwa, Dr. Bernard Kibese. Ambaye ni Balosi wa Tanzania, muchinyi Kenya. Wakati huu ni Naomba ni Mwalike. Mwakilishi wa Serekalia Kenya. Ambaye leuame yunga nasi na Naomba Adiatwangeleche. Bi Balosi Catherine Nyakoe, karibu sana.

Asante sana, biki panga. Hamjambo. Hamjambo, Tena. Nitaomba nisisungunze kwaluga kisuahili kwa matamshi anguleo kwa sababu. Balonzi wa Tanzania. Ameinu wa kabisa Matarajio, ambaio wenda nisiyafi, kie kwaivositaki haribu ki Swahili za idi, manaakenataka ki Swahili kitukuzu esivio. And so what I said is that I will not take my remarks in Kiswahili because His Excellency, the High Commissioner of Tanzania, has set the bar so high. I would not wish to be the one to lower it any single bit. Asante sana, balosi. Madam Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General, United Nations Office at Nairobi. Your Excellency, Dr. Bernard Kibese, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Kenya. We'll be joined, I believe, by Dr. Aida Hajivaiya, Kalyanis, Senior Lecturer in Kiswahili and Director, Centre of African Studies, and then also by Miss Judy Onyancha, who I also want to just recognize as a Tutorial Fellow, University of Nairobi. Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am very delighted also by the attendance of very many young people, children and youth in this room. Indeed, that is a hope for the future use of Kiswahili, and so I recognize you. To start with, Madam DG, please accept the appreciation, sincere appreciation of the Government of Kenya for organizing this day, hosting it, and your incredible team for putting together this, mobilizing all the especially students who are here. You have been very dedicated in this, and we owe you gratitude. So today's celebration of Kiswahili Day in Nairobi is so apt for us in placing the observance in East Africa, the birthplace of Kiswahili. It is therefore also a great honor to observe Therefore, this day, alongside His Excellency Ambassador Kibese, who we owe gratitude to for representing Kiswahili well in this room, following the UNESCO declaration of the World Kiswahili Day on 23rd November 2021, the 17th East African Council on Education, Science and Technology, Culture and ports provided for July 7th to be a special day to celebrate the Kiswahili day. And so it becomes the first African language to get such recognition and also by the United Nations. And the only African language in the International Communications Authority of the United Nations, which is no mean feat. And as early as the early 1960s, Experts such as Wallace Oyinka, of course, picking up from our founding fathers, and we have mentioned Ambassador Kibese has mentioned Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, has mentioned Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. They called for the use of Kiswahili as the language of the African continent, and in 2004, See how long it took, but in 2004, for sure, the African Union approved Kiswahili as one of its official languages. It is now official in East Africa. It's official in several other international organizations. Kiswahili has an extensive grassroots reach that is contributing to the achievement of sustainable development and a unifying factor in pursuing common good, such as the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement. Its expansive reach through the East, Central, and Southern African regions and among a really significant Kiswahili-speaking constituency globally, and that is not just limited to the African diaspora or Kiswahili-originating diaspora, but many others who are just Kiswahili lovers that have picked up the language globally. It covers, therefore, a population of over 250 million people, and that could be a conservative figure, and continues to grow fast. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, in Kenya, Kiswahili language is a factor of our identity. It shapes our culture and interaction across over 43 ethnic communities, Kiswahili is both the national language and an official language. One cannot truly then have a complete Kenyan experience without having interacted locally in Kiswahili, and I hope that that is the case for everybody in this room. Similarly, as may be known to many of us here, there are several Swahili cultural exchanges advanced through festivals and events such as the Lamu Cultural Festival and the Mombasa Swahili Food Tours and festivals that offer enjoyable Kiswahili experiences. And we would encourage that you look out for those and try and be part of that. Really, the experiences of Kiswahili, both the language and the culture, are quite memorable from these events. The government is developing and deploying strategies to promote Kiswahili. Through the State Department of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, the government is facilitating collaboration among stakeholders for the formulation of appropriate policies to grow the use of Kiswahili. Through its social-cultural pillar, the foreign policy of Kenya considers the use of Kiswahili language as a means of fostering mutual understanding, enhancing people-to-people relations, and international cooperation. The government is looking to establish a National Kiswahili Council of Kenya. The Kenya Kiswahili Council Bill of 2023 is currently under stakeholder scrutiny. The passing of this bill will enable the launch of specific strategies, methods, and policies needed to promote and develop the Kiswahili language and create collaboration with private entities involved in the improvement of the Kiswahili language. Kiswahili is taught in our schools right from early childhood development education up to tertiary levels, and such is the case in Tanzania too. And we acknowledge that within the region and in the East Africa Community members specifically, Kiswahili is being incorporated into the education systems either incrementally or through tailored segments. And so there is a deliberate effort and consciousness in the East African region to take up Kiswahili. And some of them— and we encourage that they pick up just the good Kiswahili. We wouldn't want the street Kiswahili in Kenya to tamper with that. Balosi, we will ensure that we encourage the use of good Kiswahili. Kiswahili studies have long also crossed the borders of the community, the East Africa community, and are undertaken further afield in the continent and beyond and are increasingly featuring in education curriculum and the media around the world. Teaching and research on Kiswahili and the exchange of teachers and students has seen an uptick in universities in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Kiswahili now has dedicated production channels in various international broadcasting stations and media houses— Voice of Africa, British Broadcasting Corporation, Deutsche Welle from Germany, Radio China, Radio Japan, among others. And so, Kiswahili can as well be recognized as the 7th language in multilateralism. I think it's time. Ladies and gentlemen, a question we can ponder on today is how to further contribute towards the promotion of Kiswahili. And in this case here, we proffer 3 suggestions. First, through developing and strengthening policy on Kiswahili as a powerful tool for achieving consensus and cohesion. A language one understands is is easily the language through which one would be willing to fully engage in discussions, and this has also been said— we actually echo what has also been said by Madam Director-General and the High Commissioner of Tanzania. The UN General Assembly Resolution also, 78/312, recognizes this, the role of Kiswahili in promoting peace, unity, and cultural diversity, creating awareness and fostering dialogues among peoples. Secondly, it would be by providing support for existing initiatives and networks that promote Kiswahili. Kiswahili associations such as Chakita, Chakama, Bakita, Bakiza, Chowkidu, and Chawakama— these are associations across the East African region— are resourceful vehicles for developing and expanding the use of Kiswahili through the organization and implementation of action lines like workshops and conferences to discuss the promotion of Kiswahili. The third is support for a steady stream of production and short Kiswahili reading and audiovisual material. Especially of the educational and informational kind that can then inspire easy use and corresponding translation. These are not the only ones, but these are things to give to you, to present to you, and we can work around this and add as many as we are able to. Finally, because a language is only as good as its use, We would encourage you to try Kiswahili on someone today. Just make sure you try Kiswahili on somebody today. And I will start us off. Nawa takiya kilala hiri kwama adimisho ya sikuhia lugaya Kiswahili dunyani. Ensure that if you don't understand that, your neighbor translates. So when you leave this room, you will remember that. Nawa takiya kilala hiri. Kwama dimisho ya sikuhia lugaya ki Swahili dunyani. Asante sana.

If you didn't understand that, here at the UN we have Swahili classes. Enroll. By next year, July, you will be understanding everything. Okay? So we have Swahili classes here, as well as other UN languages like French, Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish. We teach them here at the UN. At this point, I hope our band— Catherine, you are ready to give us— Oh, you are waiting for that, eh? You need some music. Catherine, I hope you are prepared for a song. As they give us a rendition, may I welcome our Excellencies to please join the floor as we prepare to have an online presentation from Dr. Ida Hajivanis. Ida is a senior lecturer in Swahili studies and director of of the Center of African Studies. She will be joining us online from Paris, France. Thank you so much. Please welcome to the floor Catherine. Give us a rendition. Feel free to shake her leg, feel free to shake her shoulder.

Good morning everyone. For this song, I'll ask us all, because we've been seated for so long, can we just stand up for 10 seconds. Okay, not 10 seconds, 1 minute for the song. In Kenya, this song is called Bwana Ni Pepesa, and it has a very famous dance called the Twist. So if you feel so called to dance with me, don't feel shy. Karibuni sana. This is our dance floor, and I hope you'll dance with us.

That was just a glimpse, and now we're sorry to have interrupted that because we have our lecturer online, and we will listen to her lecture from Paris. Madame Ida, please.

Yeah, hi everybody. Hello. Sorry. Yeah. Kwasa Babu ya Sikuya Kiswahili, Nico Hapa, UNESCO. So, mimi ni tazokomuzakwa kinyereza, kwasa Babu nili ambiwa kwamba ni bora kuzima kinyereza ili kilamuchaweze kwelewa. Kwahiviyo sama hanini itakwanikwa kinyereza. Tazokomuzakuhusu the growth of Kiswahili. In international diplomacy and communication, and I will really focus on literary translation. So basically what everybody has been saying this morning is my first PowerPoint, which is Kiswahili has basically evolved from a regional lingua franca of the East African coast really into one of Africa's most influential international languages. It is spoken by, yes, more than 200 million, although I heard yesterday from the Bakita representative that they think it's 500,000, so I don't know, you know. But it really serves as a language of communication, of trade, education, also regional integration, and I think its growing recognition is really seen on the global stage through this World Kiswahili Day, July 7th. And as Kiswahili continues to gain prominence with institutions such as African Union, the UN itself, universities across the world, it is becoming increasingly important, an important language of diplomacy and international engagement. However, the growth of Kiswahili is not just a political or institutional achievement, it is also a cultural success story, right? One of the many significant factors that contribute to its international visibility has been literary translation, and that's what I want to focus on today. Literary translation really allows stories, ideas, cultural experiences to travel between audiences, uh, beyond its origin, right? Through translation, readers from different linguistic backgrounds can encounter richness of different perspectives, histories, and philosophies, right? And in this sense then, translation serves as a bridge, daradia, between cultures, and it promotes mutual understanding, which is an essential goal in diplomacy. And with this idea of a bridge, I should here note that many of us really dream to see Kiswahili as the bridge language between African languages, so between languages of the South., right? So for example, in this recent translation that was done of Ngugi wa Thiong'o's short story by Ituika into more than 120 languages, English had to be the bridge, the denominator that everybody could link to. And I think once Kiswahili does that, we would really say we have come far, especially, okay, within Africa. And so literally dialogue has historically, interestingly, been between African languages and languages of the Global North. Like the example I've just given, you always need either English or French as the bridge that links African languages. And so what does this mean? So literally what this means is that as African languages, we are dependent on what is spoken in the hegemony in the North, right? And the significance of this really is that this really shows you who controls knowledge systems and also what is important within these knowledge systems. And when you look at the history of translation, especially literary translation, in Africa, you see that the trend has been to translate into African languages such as Kiswahili, Hausa, Shona. So African languages, Kiswahili inclusive, have always been recipient of knowledge from the Global North. And translation, as we all know, has been a tool of the empire in this way, right? So I mean, colonial powers did use translation to control. This is from the Roman times, the Greek, to recent, colonial sort of like encounters that we have in Africa as well. And translation has been used to dominate other cultures. The direction that these flow is what is important. And for those of you who've been in the system for a long time, you would remember stories such as Mashima Mfalmesulemani, Kisiwa Chenyehazina, etc. All these stories were simply sponged in by Swahili, and Swahili never really gave into the world. And that's where the shift needs to happen. And I think personally that there is a sort of rebalancing that is taking place now, which is really exciting to see and which I want to explore today. So one of the most important really effects of Kiswahili having received written prose, as well as other African languages like Hausa, etc., has been that it has inspired writing in Kiswahili and other languages. So for example, Sherban Robert, who is our canon really, was highly influenced by such literatures like The Nights, etc., as well as Wajamada, Okidjamadari, the author, etc. And we see that, for example, in the 1960s, classics such as Shakespeare's, for example, were translated into African languages, right? Nyerere was at the forefront of this. And this was really done to show that African languages like Kiswahili could carry across big thinkers. And it's interesting, I've got on my PowerPoint here Plato's Republic that has been translated by Nyerege posthumously. So even now we're still striving to sort of like to have this. But I still speak of this rebalancing, a powerful rebalancing that is happening because now we are starting to see translations of authors such as Kizila Habib, Wamiti La, Shafi Adam Shafi into French, German, and English. And for example, I've got some pictures here. I was at the Nobel Symposium in November last year where what I saw were writers and thinkers, academics, largely women, whereas historically it's largely been men doing all this writing. Women sort of like with limited funding, I have to add, who are now really challenging structural inequalities in terms of translation. So translating back into— I mean, translating into these hegemonic languages. So this is my background very, very briefly. And in terms of my own work, I translate into Swahili, and I started translating, I mean, sort of like as most historical sort of like translators into Swahili. But something like 10 years ago, I had a rethink of what I was doing. And so now I largely translate works that have impact or have meaning within the matrix that is East African. I have 4 images here for you. And these images are the sort of like, there's a photo of Mazungu wa Thungu, Umzaflelau Leila, so the Arabian Nights translation into Swahili. And I have 3 characters that are very prominent in Swahili written literature. What does this mean? This means that these are actually sort of like prominent characters that have been in the ecosystem for a while, but that most of us were not aware of until quite recently when Abduraza Gurnah wrote, won the Nobel, and we could access his work like Peponi, Dulma, etc. And we come to know people such as Hussein Mahjoub, who is the soldier there, sort of like went to Germany during World War I, remained and sort of was really wanted Germany to come back and colonize East Africa, etc. You have Tib Tib. These are people who are very controversial, who worked with slavery, etc. But they have— they wrote or they have writing that shows a bit of what has been happening on the coast. And I also have Princess Salma, who is also within Abdur Razak's writing, sort of like as one of the first women to write something herself. And so in translation, I think what should really happen is what we are witnessing now slowly, which is a renaissance of translating, yes, still into Swahili, still into Shona, still into Somali, but of our own people. Because people like Abdurazak Gurnah, who is next to me there in the photo, although they write in English, but they write about the Swahili. They write about these narratives that we have grown up with. And the matrix of their writing is East African. So Nurddin Farah, Somali, very, very similar. What he writes is really within the Somali psyche. And so translation in me is a rebalancing where, yes, one, we want to translate into hegemonic languages, but also we want to translate back into our own languages like Kiswahili, but to translate our people, people who speak about us. So having this form of renaissance. And very, very recently as well, I wrote a memoir, "Uusalah Hamdani," who happens to be my mother, sort of like following recordings that she did of her own mother. And what happens here is we have so many stories that we grow up with, that we live with, and these stories disappear, they get lost, because when things are told, people, I mean, forget them. But once we start writing about our own people, about our own histories, the rebalancing happens again. I'm trying to move very, very quickly. And also we are seeing now new translations going As I said, from Swahili outside, like Kizila Habib and others. But what's important for everybody, I think, is to think what is translated into which languages and why? How is that translation carried about? By whom? For whom? What's the audience? And is our work really literature? We think yes, but what does the global north think? And I think these are all questions that need to be thought of when we think of translation. And Kiswahili. Asante ni sana, herya sikuya Kiswahili, nina kongamanu sa hivi la Kiswahili na AI, wewe nabidini kimbiye lakina ota kia kilajema. Shukran.

Thank you so much. That was all the way from Paris. Merci beaucoup. À la prochaine. Merci beaucoup. I am Nashanga. At this point, Madam DG, Your Excellency, all the Excellencies present, kindly allow me to acknowledge different groups that are present here. First, if I acknowledge you and you're here, please feel free, stand. If you have an anthem, if you have a wave, do that. May I acknowledge a school from the lush middle of the town, Parklands Baptist School. Parklands Baptist School, let's just stand and wave. Pakie! Pakia! Pakia! Pakia! Baridi! Baridi! So we acknowledge Parklands Baptist School. That is a school that my heart is after. Do I need to say my son goes to that school? And we have amazing teachers led by Teacher Isaiah and the fellow staff teachers. Please just stand and wave and thank you for honing Ah, we have, uh, okay, just wave at us. Thank you so much, feel most welcome. Please have a seat. Then we have Karura School. Karura School, Karura School, Karura School! Thank you so much, Karura School, for coming. Karura School is also a school that I have at heart because this is a school that gave me time to go and sharpen my skills. I interacted with them, and I saw that they are very active in the Swahili language. They are doing very well, and I'm sure that they are going places with the Swahili language. I acknowledge their teachers, Madam Prisca, Mr. Willis, Madam Ruth, and all the teachers that I might have forgotten. Please feel welcome. I hope you feel at home here. Asante Nisana, Nakaribu. May I also acknowledge Mangu High School. Mangu High School, we've been working with them. They've been our friends for so long. Thank you so much. Not only are Mangu High School involved in Swahili, but they're also involved in community development, and they're looking forward to working with us in issues of community development and matters the community. I hope that happens. Please feel welcome, Karibuni Nyumbani. You guys are old schoolers now here. I hope today it was a smooth sail coming in. Karibu sana, led by Mr. Macharia. Feel at home and anytime come again and again. Thank you so much. Have a seat. May I also acknowledge the presence of Royal Brains. Royal Brains Academy is just next to us here. They're our neighbors. Royal Brain Prince Please. We can also make that uniform, eh? They are standing out. Okay, thank you so much, Royal Brains. You are our neighbors here, and, um, you're one of the schools that are involved in MSUN. I think of the schools present That is the school that is involved in MSUN, and you are not new here. You've been coming here for the symposium. Please feel appreciated, feel welcome, and you're always welcome anytime. Thank you so much, and have a seat. Here at the UN, we tend to have UN tours, and we have a school that has come for the UN tour. As much as they came for the UN tour, they say they must celebrate Swahili, because they love Swahili, they speak Swahili, they are Swahili people, they love the Swahili culture. St. Mary's High School, please arise and say hi to the members. Thank you so much. That is St. Mary's High School. Thank you. Then we have, uh, those are primary and high schools. We also have university. May I start with the University of Nairobi? We have a lecturer from the University of Nairobi, but we have students from the University of Nairobi. Kindly stand, arise, and say hi to us. Thank you so much, University of Nairobi. I hope it's not clearance at the gate that is holding you back. We were expecting around 40 6 students from University of Nairobi. So that's just a fraction. We will follow up and see what's the problem. We also have St. Paul's University. St. Paul's, please, are we here? Yeah, please arise. That was a very strong yeah. Thank you so much. St. Paul's University is one of the universities just down here along Limuru Road. They're also our neighbors. St. Paul's University is also actively involved in Swahili interpretation and translation. So thank you so much for being a member of the Swahili team. Most appreciated, and you're welcome here either for the Swahili day, any other languages, or UN tours. Thank you so much, and you may have a seat. We also have Maseno University. These are people who came with chicken, sugar Kenya, all the way from Western Kenya, overnight bus to be here, 8 hours, 9 hours on the road just for the sake of Swahili. That's how much they love Swahili. Do we have Maseno University? Thank you so much, Maseno University. Yes, so Maseno University— thank you— Maseno University traveled traveled all the way from Western Kenya, as I said, just to be here with us and celebrate us. And we feel really honored and appreciated. May I also acknowledge Moi University. Wantame, wantama, wantame. Moi University is from the other side of town. They are from Eldoret town. This is the hometown of our President. Thank you so much for also taking 10 hours on the road just to be here. We really appreciate it. We do not take for granted, and you are welcome anytime. May I also acknowledge a team that has been working with us so much here at the UN. When the funding was cut, this is the team that suffered the most here at the UN, and they had to be sent packing. This is the East Africa Translators and Interpreters Association, EAITA. They were the first team to be asked, but they still love Swahili. They have Swahili at heart. Please, they are here led by Jessica. We really appreciate you and thank you for coming. Thank you so much. Jessica has been part and one of us. She's just there, and she was working with UNEP. She was our translator at UNEP, and she's continued keeping Swahili at heart. She's been in touch. Jessica has also been actively involved in helping in planning this day. Thank you so much, Jessica. Thank you for the team of translators. At this point, may I acknowledge a very special team. This is a team that has been involved in languages. May I acknowledge Miss Christine Melida, who is a teacher of French. Miss Christine Melida, please stand and wave at us. That is Miss Christine Melida. She's a French teacher. I also acknowledge a teacher who is a a French teacher as well as Swahili. So if you want to learn Swahili and you think you don't know Swahili, you don't know English, but you can speak French, this is a teacher who speaks perfect French, and she also teaches— he, sorry, he also teaches Swahili. He's a musician. He has an online platform. You can go and check him out on Instagram. This is Mr. Ezekiel Oganga. Mr. Ezekiel Oganga, thank you so much. Just check for Mr. Ezekiel Oganga right now. If you find him on IG, see the wonderful thing he's doing with Swahili, educating people, entertaining them through music so that he teaches them Swahili. May I also acknowledge one of our teachers who's also published a Swahili book Mr. Abdul Karim Murunga. Abdul Karim. That's Mr. Abdul Karim Murunga. Mr. Abdul Karim Murunga— thank you so much— has a very strong online platform. You can also check him out. Wherever he goes, he loves Swahili and he works with Swahili books. He has a number of copies there from beginner to advanced. You may have a look at them. You might— you may buy them. And you might, if you wish, you can also sign up classes with him. He's part of us, the team, the team that teaches Swahili as a foreign language. May I acknowledge Simon Kariuki? Is Simon Kariuki in? Okay. I hope I've acknowledged everyone. Thank you so much. Ladies and gentlemen, Just in case, you get through the door, just before the stairs, on your right, that is the ladies, on your left, that's the gentlemen. Nivio di Awanaume. We also have a cafeteria that you can visit just as you're exiting before the roundabout. On your left, we have a cafeteria. You can visit there at your own opportune time and see what we offer here at the UN. It's a sample of all international cuisines. At this point, may I welcome Catherine? Our song was cut short, right? Let us all arise Catherine, please give us a rendition. Do not fear to shake a leg, do not fear to shake an ear, an eye, or even the lips. Karibu, Catherine.

Santi sana. Watu nasema Kiswahili niluga ya mapenzi. And Kiswahili is the language of love, and we'd love to sing a beautiful rendition of a Kenyan song for you. Asante Nisana. Thank you very much.

If you are Kenyan, you know this song. Let's just try and sing it. Suraya konsuri mama. We know this song. Okay, sopranos, let's go. Do we have sopranos? Soprano, let's go. Soprano, give us Suraya Kondzuri Mama. Let's hear sopranos. Suraya Kondzuri Mama. Let's go. Okay, everyone, Suraya Kondzuri Mama. Zuri mama. Thank you so much. That is Catherine. Catherine, um, they've been with us for so long, for 3 years, that they always, um, give us live music. At this point, I would like to welcome our lecturer Miss Judy from the University of Nairobi. After our lecturer, we'll have some presentation again. Miss Judy, please. Karibu sana.

Thank you so much. Hello everyone. Habari zenu. Mku salama. Kiswahili hoya. Kiswahili hoya. So my name is Dr. Judy from the University of Nairobi. I teach Kiswahili, and I also do research about Kiswahili. So I'm here today to present a topic on Kiswahili and how it bridges the gaps with the rest of the world. So Excellencies, Distinguished guests, United Nations colleagues, members of diplomatic corps, esteemed partners, students, teachers from various universities, lecturers, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Today we celebrate more than a language. We celebrate, celebrate Kiswahili as a simple of unity, identity, dialogue, and cooperation. From the simple greeting, "Karibuni"— I know all of us, when we were coming in, there is a sign out there says, "Karibuni." I can give a scenario that all of us, maybe some of us, we have visited a country, or imagine visiting a country where your language is not spoken there, you don't know anyone there, you arrive and you feel lost. And then from nowhere, somebody says, "Karibuni." What do you feel? Yeah? You feel like, "I belong. I have found someone who knows me, who can identify with me." So that is why we are celebrating Kiswahili. Kiswahili, because Kiswahili, it's more than a language. Kiswahili reminds us that language has the power to welcome, has the power to connect, has the power to build bridges across cultures and nations. And therefore, Kiswahili is not just a language, it's a bridge between Africa and the rest of the world. And then, why Kiswahili? Because we have several other African languages, but why are we celebrating Kiswahili? So, from a regional language to a global voice. Kiswahili is spoken by over 200 million people and is one of Africa's most widely used languages. It supports education, trade, diplomacy, media, and regional integration across East, Central, and parts of Southern Africa. And that is why we are here, because in 2021, UNESCO proclaimed 7th July as World Kiswahili Language Day, making Kiswahili language the first African to receive an international day and recognizing its growth, contribution to global dialogue. And therefore, Kiswahili is Africa's voice to the world, isn't it? Yeah. Kiswahili and the United Nations, why? Why was it given this status? Language for peace. Kiswahili is a language for peace, inclusion, and cooperation. The United Nations promotes multilingualism because language enables dialogue, participation, and mutual understanding. World Kiswahili Language Day recognizes the important contribution of African language, uh, to peace, cultural diversity, and sustainable development. As our UN Secretary-General, António Guterres reminds us, multilingualism is a cornerstone of inclusive multilateralism. So language builds understanding, Kiswahili builds the bridges. Kiswahili and sustainable development. Language is very essential towards sustainable development. Because it enables people to access, access education, information, and opportunities. And therefore, Kiswahili contributes to quality education, as we know from CTG 4, economic growth, CTG 8, peace and justice, CTG 16, and partnerships, which is CTG 17, by making communication more inclusive and accessible. When people understand, they participate. Then they understand through language. When they participate, development becomes more meaningful and sustainable. And therefore, language is not only a means of communication, it's a catalyst for development. Kiswahili and artificial intelligence, now the current It's ensuring Africa's voice in the digital age. Artificial intelligence is shaping the future of communication, education, and innovation. For AI to serve everyone fairly, it must understand and support diverse languages, including Kiswahili. Expanding Kiswahili in digital platforms, translation systems, systems and AI perspectives are represented in digital world. The future of Kiswahili depends not only on those who speak it, but also on how well it's integrated into emerging technologies. If AI is the future, then Kiswahili must be part of the future. Building bridges through Kiswahili. Kiswahili is more than a language, as we have said. It's a bridge connecting Africa with the rest of the world. It promotes unity. It strengthens cultural identity, supports sustainable development, and creates opportunities in the digital age. So as we celebrate World Kiswahili Language day today. Let us continue to invest in Kiswahili through education, through research, innovation, and international collaboration. Together, let's ensure that Kiswahili continues to connect people, to inspire dialogue, and amplify Africa's voice on the global stage. As I conclude, I'll say that Kiswahili reminds us that language can unite people across cultures and borders. As we celebrate World Kiswahili Language Day, let us continue to build bridges of understanding, partnership, and peace. Because when language connects people, they also connect possibilities. Umoja ningovo. Asante.

Thank you so much, our lecturer from University of Nairobi. She's so young, well-educated, a lecturer of Swahili. At the University of Nairobi. At this point, may I welcome, uh, my senior Muhammad, who has prepared something for us from here, the UN. I hope you get encouraged. I hope you get entertained. Muhammad, tell us what you've prepared for us.

Thank you, Sylvia. Well, you know, we have a rule here that we treat all languages on equal footings. So to that effect, we have produced videos on language days. We have covered so far all official languages, and the last— and it's not the first time we do videos on them— but the last is Kiswahili, and it is a video, a series of interviews with staff members of the United Nations. Well, at the Chinese Language Day, we had students, Kenyan students at the Confucius University who spoke Chinese fluently, and that shows how important learning languages is and how possible it is to learn languages such as Chinese. You know, Chinese is very, very difficult. So we wanted to test the ability of our staff members speaking 'Kiswahili,' and you will be surprised to see how fluent they are. So the video that you are going to see next has been produced by Multilingualism Focal Point, ourselves, and the people you are going to see in this video are staff members of the United Nations. The video is entitled 'UN Staff Members and Kiswahili.' So I leave you to screen the video.

Please.

Nina Fanya Kazi, UNEP. Habari zenu, mimi Nina ito aleni. Mimi Nina tokau jerumani. Ni mekuwa pa Kenya kwa Mudamrefu. Ni me shayishi apa kwa miaka minane. Mimi Nina Fanya Kazi apa na Umoja Umo Taifa, UN-Habitat.

Njinalangu ni Alexandra na Nina Fanya Kazi na UNEP.

When did you start learning Kiswahili? Last year.

I started learning Nijifunza Kiswahili 10 years ago.

Nijifunza Kiswahili is my first language. I learned Kiswahili in Kenya. I started learning Kiswahili when I was in Kenya. I was a kid. I was able to speak Kiswahili when I was 11 years old.

Niliyanza kutoka miaka mitatu. Nili pofika Kenya. Niliyanza pu ku sama ki Swahili. Kwasa babu wama uniangu ni Lazima ka manikoapa Nairobi ni Naishihapa ni Lazima ni Juwe Luga.

Ni meshaji fundza ki Swahili wa miaka kadha. Nili yanzaku jipunza kisuahili nil pofika apa. Nili yanzaku jipunza peke yangu na pia lafu nikanzaku kwenda dara sami hapana mwalimu Sylvia.

What do you think is the most difficult aspect of Kiswahili?

I think that Kiswahili is very different from any other language because, as you may know, Kiswahili started as a non-written Language. And because of the long history in this part of world, I think the many development, the way that things are organized happen while that speaking language was flourishing. So the way that the Kiswahili organized now in a specific groups, I have learned the Kiswahili is my like fourth language to learn and it's really different. I haven't seen anything like that before. So that's the beauty of Swahili in my view.

Noun classes. K Swahili noun classes. Nii mgumu sana.

Nii mgumu sana ku kumbuka ngeli. Ngeli nishidakuna ngeli ngingi na una faku badili— una faku badilisha vitenzi according to the ngeli.

Has there been any interference between Kiswahili and the foreign languages that you have learned?

First, as a baby, I learned Japanese, and then I learned English, and then at some point I learned a little bit of Swahili when I was in Mombasa 25 years ago. I was really good fluent speakers of Swahili. I was starting to write official letters and documents in Swahili. And after that, I went to Mexico, UNEP regional office for Latin American and Caribbean, and I learned Spanish there. First few months of learning Spanish, one day one of my coworkers came and started to talk to me in Spanish, and I was just explaining to her, replying to her for about 5 minutes, and then she had this puzzled look.

You know what?

I was speaking to her, responding to her entire 5 minutes in Swahili. The problem is that when you learn the second or third language, your brain is function compartmentalized in a way that you put third or second or fourth language into sort of temporary compartment. Apparently my brain decided to put Swahili and Spanish in the same box.

Imeni saidiya sana kujuwa kiara buu, nilipo anza kuji funza kisuahili kwa sababu, asilimia juu ya kiara buu, imengi andani ya lugaa ya kisuahili. Nadani wachuwa nasema asilimia arubaini ya lugaa ya kisuahili, inafanana sana na kiara buu. Kwamfano ukitaka ku salimi emtru una weza ku sema. Marahaba, badal ya kusema, marhaba.

What is the most beautiful aspect of Kiswahili?

The rhyming that happens in Swahili because of noun classes is beautiful. So when you say everything is okay, you say kila, kitu, kikosana.

Funny enough, Pia ni ngeli, mimi ni na penda ngeli kwa sababu Kiswahili in a sound kama Kilakitu ina kilasentenzi ina rhyme bizuri, uki tumia ngeli bizuria.

Na penda sana, sauti ya Kiswahili, vili na vio singui, adju kuisema lakini, the sound of the language, na pia uki skia musiki ya Kiswahili na pendeza sana. Lakini pia na penda sana, the logic, the logic of the language is very different. So I find it's very, it's amazing to learn Kiswahili and to learn a very different way of thinking about things and combining words and creating different things. Like in Swahili, you can have even 4 prefixes to a word to construct the tense, you just add a prefix then. So it's the logic of the language is quite unique and very interesting.

The way that the people's face lit up, the Kenyan or Tanzanian or Ugandan, when you even speak one phrase in Swahili, the smile they give, I think it's the most beautiful thing.

What do you recommend to students who are learning Kiswahili?

Just do it.

You know, don't wait for that perfect week or month or year that you will start learning Swahili.

Today is your best day. Watu ingine wana jifunza kisuahili ongea na wana Kenya. Speak with Kenyans. Try to overcome the language barrier. Even though you're shy, you make mistakes, people are always excited to hear you speak Swahili. Practice every day and don't be shy.

Kitu inaanza.

When you're trying to learn Kiswahili, I think it's important to consume the language as much as possible. So whether it's listening to music or to podcasts, whether it's trying to read things, whether it's using the language in your daily conversations with people in the taxi, in the store, I think the more you use it and the more you're courageous to to activate the stuff you use in class, the faster you will learn.

What is the impact of Kiswahili on your professional or private life?

I sadly don't use Kiswahili in my professional life. I wish I could, but in my personal life it saves me a lot. I can bargain in the market. I can eavesdrop when someone speaks Swahili. And one day Swahili helped me bargain even outside of Kenya. I was in Egypt ordering a taxi, and when the taxi driver spoke to his friend who was about to give me a lift, he said, "Ishirini," which means 20. So I knew I was going to be charged 20. So when we arrived, the driver wanted to charge me 30, and I said, "No, no, no, no, no, you said ishirini." And he said, "Oh, madam, you speak Arabic?" I was like, "Of course I speak Arabic." I did not speak Arabic. Hardly did I speak Swahili, but I knew ishirini in both Arabic and Swahili means 20.

Professionally, I haven't worked as much in Swahili-speaking countries, but when I have worked, for instance, in Congo, people were very surprised. They didn't expect me to— in Eastern Congo, they didn't expect me to learn Swahili, and it helped me relate to government officials, to colleagues there. Gives you this kind of local feel that people feel comfortable with you. But I think mostly the biggest impact is in my private life. Because when you live in Kenya and you look like a Mzungu, like me, people always think, they assume you're there for one week and they treat you with some, like gloves, trying to be extra careful with you. And then when you speak to them in Swahili, it just makes them comfortable. It makes it so much easier to get to know people and to to engage with them in an authentic way. It often feels like there's this barrier between you where they have all these stereotypes about foreigners. And when you speak Swahili, they just feel you're one of them and you're just kind of talking eye to eye.

Do you remember any funny situation resulting from misunderstanding Kiswahili?

Upronounce u sema maneno bizuri? Kwasa babu kitensi cha kukunya, which is to drink. Usipo sema vizuri, easily una vezakusema, you are having diarrhea.

Lakinii meshakuwa vigumu kidogo kuni sengeniya na sazingini na sikwizi ni meanza kuo nyeshamimi na juu a Kiswahili hivio watu hawa wezi kujeribu kuni sengeniya. Lakinii meshatu kea marakatana tuna checka pamodja.

How would you describe Kiswahili in a word?

Or in a sentence.

Swahili is a poem with aroma of chai masala. Kisuahili. If you learn a language, you have wings.

You definitely have wings and you can fly over all language barriers there are and engage in any type of communication.

I think Nelson Mandela said something like every time you learn a new language, it's like you're having a whole new life. Or something like that. And I feel like that it's very enriching. It's super enriching to learn a language. You start to look at life from a different perspective altogether. And when you speak the language, it's like you're also confined to the vocabulary of that language. And so your personality changes. When I speak Swahili, I cannot express myself the same way that I can in English, where I have much more opportunity. You become more basic, your jokes become more basic, and it gets you to go through life in a very different way. So it's a fascinating experience and I highly recommend everyone to learn Swahili when you are in Kenya.

It is also said that when you learn a language, you avoid war.

How true is that? I think that's very true because language, learning a language is like learning the culture. It's understanding the humor, understanding what people care about. Understanding that helps you understand where they come from, seeing their perspective. By learning that language, you're showing that you care about that people and their culture and you want to respect their way of life. And it will make it much more difficult for you to be at odds with them once you have understood where they're coming from, how they think, and appreciate the beauty of their language and their way of life.

Language definitely facilitates communication. And if you communicate well enough, hopefully you overcome all misunderstandings and you can engage through diplomacy instead of means of war.

Those are our students here, and we polish them from not knowing even pronunciation up to advanced students. So please feel free to enroll for the Swahili classes here. We tend to have online classes, so do not worry about coming to the UN. At this point, we are almost ending our day. May I invite— we have just 3 pieces of entertainment. Please let us remain seated. We'll take a very brief time. Mr. Ezekiel, who is a French and Swahili teacher, karibu sana, kindly project Mr. Ezekiel's song. Asante.

My name is Ezekiel Oganga. I'm a teacher of Swahili. On Instagram, I am Balosi Waluga, and that means the language I'm Ambassador. Now, as an East African and as an African, I'm very proud of my Swahili language. And the reason I stand here this morning is to first of all encourage the young people, the young Kenyans, please take pride in your language. You need to know that a language can be lost. A language can be lost. So take pride in your language. Be adventurous, learn other languages, but please Take pride in your language. To the teachers here, I want to encourage you to be creative in your teaching of the language. It makes it interesting for your students. And never underestimate what you have creatively as a teacher. Never think that it's too simple. Never think that it's too complicated. If you have something creative to share with your students, please do that. And to the rest of you, I want to encourage those who do not speak Swahili, those who are learning, that it is not hard to learn. Learn the simple things and build up from there. That's what I'm here to share with you. I'm actually not here to entertain you. I'd like us to sing together, okay? I'm here as a teacher today. Let's learn together. Let's sing together. We are going to— the words that should be projected up there. So that's a song about what we do at home.. And I'd like to invite us all to join me in singing this song. So we've been sitting for a bit. Please, please stand. Tafadali, sima meni.

So this song says, "Nyumba ni nina amka mapema, nina amka mapema, nina amka mapema." Let me hear you.

Okay, with a bit more life.

Nyumba ni nina amka mapema, nina amka mapema. Ninaam ka mapema! Jumbani ni naaam ka maapema! Ni naam ka mapeemaa— Let's sing: "Jumbani ni naaam ka mapaama." Nii-naaam kha-mapaema? Inna ham kah-mapemmaaahh... Jumbani nina'am kah-mapema?! Ni naam kah-mapema?!

Iiinna ham kah-mapemmaaahhh! Okay, let's do the chorus because that's always easy. Then we can come back to whatever else we are learning. So the chorus says— where are my choruses? Oh, the choruses are— yes, the choruses. Yes, the choruses are the ones that have 'eh, eh, eh.' So it says Nina kula, Nina kula, eh, eh, eh.

Nina kula, Nina kula, eh, eh, eh.

Sing.

Nina tembeza mbuawangu, eh, eh, eh. Nina tembeza mbuawangu, eh, eh, eh. Nina lisha pakawangu e e e. Nina lisha pakawangu e e e. Nina toa takataka nje e. Ninatoa takataka nje e.

Don't worry if you get everything right or if you don't. Let's just sing together. Sawa sawa. We are learning, and in learning you learn because you don't know. You don't learn what you know. Sawa. Twende pamoja.

Nina piem pagusa mesa! Nina pagusa— Nina osha biombo! Nina kula ni na kula eheh! Ni na kula ni na kula eheh! Ni na kula ni na kula eheh! Ni na kula ni na kula eheh! Eheh!

All of us were just, uh, standing. Maybe we can go, eh? Let's go, right? That's African, eh? At least shake a bit. Ezekiel, just give us the chorus. So let's just see, everyone, we start with the right and then we go to to the left, huh?

So the chorus is, uh, Please take pride in your language. Teachers, please be creative. You don't have to be a singer like me. Whatever gift you have, share it with your learners and make the language interesting. If you're learning the language, do simple things like this. They'll remind you what to say. Asante Nisana.

Thank you so much, Ezekiel. Ezekiel had two songs. All this sweetness, you can find it on his page. Visit his page, Lance Wahili. At this time, we have two presentations. We will have Nairobi— University of Nairobi, and then we will have Mangu High School. University of Nairobi, please take the shortest time possible. Karibu. Kleophas is an aspiring news presenter, and he's trying— he's going to try and show us how news is presented in Swahili. Kleophas, the shortest time possible. Asante.

Usimama situ kushereheke aluga, bali kushereheke utamaduni, undugu na utambulisho etu. Nam tunadimisha sikhu yakiswaile. Kutoka Afrika hadima barembali, sauti yakiswaile inasikika kwakishindo. Luga ambaayo ilionekana ya Pwani Tu. Leo inavu kamipaka na kwa daraja linalunganisha mamilionia watu dunyani. Kama mnavio fahamu shirikisha laumodi wa mataifa ya elimu sayansi na utamaduni UNESCO, lilitinga rasmi sikuiya sabasaba kua sikya Kiswahili dunyani, hii ni yeshimakubwa sana kuetu. Kiswahili niluha ya Kwanzaa ya kyafrica kupata kipa mbere hiki chaki peke dunyani. Hii si sherehe ya Mariano Tu, ni sherehe ya Maendeleo. Leo, tu nashuhudiya Kiswahili kikitumika katica technology. Technology, kiki someshwa kati ka viwoviku kote lunyani kutoka Marekani hulaya ad Asia, nakikiwa lugara smi yakazi kati ka umodjo Afrika, eyu najumia ya Afrika, mashariki. Tunapo itimisha tarifa hi malum wito unabaaki kwa kilamwajawetu, tuwone fahari kuki zungum zaluha yakiso eliko fasaham. Tukitumie kwamendeleo na tukifanye kwa chombo cha amani na utangamano. Kumbuka muchele amwana kulia hulia munyewe. Nasiye kienzi cha kwa huyo nimtumo wa utamaduni wa wengini. Sisi tuna sema kiswahili ni Sisi, na Sisi ni kiswahili. Kuto ka hapaa katika makao makuya umodio amataifa yoen madimisho asiku ya kiswahili dunyani. Jinalangu Nikleofas Uwuo. Herya sikya kiswahili dunyani. Asante ni nautakia madimisho mema. Asante.

That is how news is presented in Swahili. At this point, may I acknowledge the Kenya Institute of Foreign Language Languages and Professional Studies. They are here with us. Please take 30 seconds. This institution has a Swahili book and they wish to donate, I think, a piece or two pieces to the UN. And I'll kindly invite our HR Director, Mr. Aito Maguna, our Acting Director of Administration here at the UNAM, to kindly receive the book.

Thanks. Thank you, Lenat.

Thank you so much, Kenya Institute. Asante ni sana. Kenya Institute of Foreign Languages and Professional Studies, they are also involved in teaching all foreign languages, and feel free to speak to them too. At this point, may we have our last item, Mangu High School. The floor is yours, please. Please, Mango High School, Karibuni!

Tafadali naomba, Junge Nassi.

High School. May I take this opportunity to alert you that you've come to to the end of our ceremony today. And at this point, I welcome my boss, Mohamed Dossi, to take us through the next step of what is required. I've been your emcee. Thank you so much. And tukipende kiswahili.

Well, thank you so much for for being here, for showing up in such great numbers, and I thank all the universities that are presented here, and I thank the high schools, and thank all those who came from afar to participate in this very beautiful occasion. And, well, I'm not going to speak at length. I just would like to say that there is a group photo with their excellencies, the ambassadors who are— and the High Commissioner who are present here. So I call you all, if you can group yourself here for the group photo. And after that, we have refreshments. So once the photo is taken, please help yourself to the refreshments that are out there. Thank you again, and hope to see you next time in even greater numbers. Thank you. Let's give us— A big hand. And allow me to thank Sylvia in particular. And by the way, all those students— staff members that you saw speak in the video were Sylvia's students. So let's give her a big hand, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you. Asantewaa sana.

Hello. So please, let's go out and take a group Take a photo and then you may come back.