On behalf of the millions of Greeks around the world, but also on behalf of thousands of foreign scholars and admirers of the Greek language, I would like to thank UNESCO for declaring 9 February as “World Greek Language Day”. It is a landmark decision that fills us with pride, as it acknowledges the universal and timeless significance and widespread use of its words in science and culture.
It is, after all, one of the oldest avenues of communication, with a history spanning 3,000 years. It began with Homer’s Odyssey and the Iliad; and the origins of Western philosophy with Socrates and Plato. It then became the language of the Gospels and Byzantium, and then of the Greek Revolution with the hero Makriyannis, to reach the Alexandrian poet Cavafy and our Nobel Prize winners, Elytis and Seferis.
Always using the same alphabet, even though it evolved over the centuries. And always leaving its mark on philosophy and politics, on theater and literature, as well as on medicine, on geometry, mathematics. Today, the same is happening with new technologies and bioethics. At every step, we encounter terms with Greek roots. Timeless influences of the official language of Greece and Cyprus and one of the 27 languages of the European Union.
Today, that same language is moving into the intangible realm of the digital age. Artificial intelligence is becoming a new means of expression and dissemination, preserving our words, pronunciation and history. Thus, Greek is evolving from a language carved in stone and written in manuscripts into a language of algorithms, nonetheless remaining a continually living language.
The Greek State thus welcomes this historic decision, aware of the heaviness of the heritage and the responsibility it entails. It sees it not simply as a success, but as a mandate for action. It therefore pledges before you that it will continue to highlight and promote this ancient yet contemporary language, both within and beyond its borders, with planning and scientific dedication.
I would like to conclude by thanking everyone who labored to ensure that our language received the recognition it deserves. The establishment of this annual international milestone gives us the opportunity to bring more and more people closer to the Greek language. But for those of us who speak it, it gives us a reason to reflect on how our language shapes our thoughts, our culture, and ultimately our future.
https://www.primeminister.gr/2025/11/06/37294
Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Loverdos’ Visit to Uzbekistan – Meetings with Members of the Greek Diaspora in Tashkent and Participation in the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand (2–5 November 2025)
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giannis Loverdos travelled to Uzbekistan, where he held a series of meetings with representatives of the Greek diaspora in Tashkent (2–3 November 2025) and participated in the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand (4–5 November 2025).
During his visit to Tashkent, the Deputy Minister visited the Hellenic Cultural Centre, met with members of the active Greek community, and attended the celebration marking the anniversary of 28 October. He was also given a tour of the newly established Embassy of Greece, which has been operating since April 2025, and met with its staff. Furthermore, Mr Loverdos met with the Rector of the State University of World Languages, Tokhtasinov Ilhomjon Madaminovich. Their discussion focused on cooperation between the academic institutions of the two countries in the field of education, while they also explored possibilities for expanding collaboration in other areas of mutual interest. The visit to Tashkent concluded with the Deputy Minister attending the opening of an art exhibition by the internationally renowned engraver Ioannis Kyriakidis.
Subsequently, the Deputy Minister travelled to Samarkand, where he joined Minister of Culture Lina G. Mendoni and Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Nikolaos Papaiōannou in participating in the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference. It is noted that during the Conference proceedings, on 4 November, UNESCO unanimously ratified its decision to designate 9 February as World Greek Language Day.
At a special event dedicated to the Greek language, Mr Loverdos expressed Greece’s gratitude to the UNESCO Secretariat, member states and delegations that supported the Greek initiative, as well as to the staff of Greece’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO. He emphasised that the Greek language — the language of Homer, Plato, Aristotle and the Gospels — is a living language with a history spanning thousands of years, which continues to illuminate world civilisation, inspiring and uniting Greeks and philhellenes in every corner of the world as a living symbol of identity and thought.
It is highlighted that the proposal submitted by Greece in March 2025 received the support of 88 UNESCO member states from all geographical regions, confirming not only the global influence of the Greek language but also the strength of linguistic diversity as a core value of UNESCO. This initiative forms part of Greece’s broader strategy to enhance cultural diplomacy and promote the country internationally as a cradle of humanistic values and civilisation.
On the sidelines of the General Conference, the Deputy Minister held bilateral meetings with the President of the General Conference and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, Khondker M. Talha, with whom he discussed Greece’s priorities within the Organisation. Mr Loverdos also raised the issue of the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. Finally, the Deputy Minister gave an interview to the state television of Uzbekistan, highlighting the historic decision to establish 9 February as World Greek Language Day.
Participation of the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myrogianni, in the 43rd UNESCO General Conference (Samarkand, 3–5 November 2025)
The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maira Myrogianni, visited Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 3 to 5 November 2025, participating in the official Greek delegation to the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, during which the decision to designate 9 February as World Greek Language Day was ratified.
Specifically, the Secretary General attended Greece’s intervention during the General Policy Debate, as well as the session of the Committee of the Executive Board, where the Board’s decision to proclaim 9 February as World Greek Language Day was approved, ahead of its final adoption by the Plenary.
During her visit, Ms Myrogianni met with Dr Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, with whom she discussed issues of international communication and explored opportunities for cooperation in the protection and safety of journalists.
The official Greek delegation to the 43rd UNESCO General Conference was led by the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, and included Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giannis Loverdos, Deputy Minister of Education, Professor Nikos Papaiōannou, and Greece’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Giorgos Koumoutsakos.
