Event
World Kiswahili Language Day 2023: Unleashing Kiswahili's potential in the digital era
The second commemoration of the World Kiswahili Language Day under the theme "Unleashing Kiswahili's Potential in the Digital Era" aims to highlight the important role played by Kiswahili as a language of unity, even in the context of the digital landscape. This event will draw attention to how Kiswahili can act as a bridge, connecting diverse communities and facilitating inclusive participation in the digital world.
By acknowledging the significance of Kiswahili in the digital era, the objective is also to leverage its power to promote cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and economic development among Kiswahili speakers worldwide. The commemoration serves as a platform for discussing strategies and initiatives that empower Kiswahili as a vital language for communication, innovation, and digital literacy, ultimately unlocking its full potential in the ever-evolving digital era.
Watch the event on UN Web TV
Agenda
10.00 am – 10.05 am - Welcoming remarks
- H.E. Lela Mussa, Minister of Education and Vocational Training of Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania
- Eliot Minchenberg, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office to United Nations in New York
10.05 am – 10.30 am - High-Level Opening Segment
- H.E. Mrs Samia Suhulu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania (VM)
- H.E. Mr Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi (VM)
- H.E. Mr Sama Lukonde Kyenge, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (VM)
- H.E. Mrs. Lachezara Stoeva, President of the UN Economic and Social Council
- H.E. Ms. Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations
10:25 – 10:40 am - Keynote Speech
- Dr. Ida Hadjivayanis, Senior lecturer in Swahili studies, SOAS University of London, Official Translator of the Tanzanian Nobel Laureate for Literature Abdulrazak Gurnah
Introduced by Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division, UN Department of Global Communications
10:40 am – 11:45 am - Video "Kiswahili around the World"
10:45 am – 11:35 am - Interactive panel: Unleashing Swahili's Potential in the Digital Era
Moderated by H.E. Mr. Martin Kimani, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the UN
- Adam Clayton Powell III, Executive Director, Election Cybersecurity Initiative, University of Southern California
- Zoe Mentel Darmé, Senior Manager, Google
- Beneah Kombe, Founding Engineer at Digraph, Massachussetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Graduate in Computer Science
- Jennifer Kaberi, Research Affiliate, Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University
- Estelle Zadra, Liaison Officer, UNESCO Liaison Office to the UN in New York
11:35 am – 11:50 pm - Q&A session
11:50 pm – 12:00 pm - Closing remarks
- H.E. Prof. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations, on behalf of the States members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Kiswahili language is one of the official languages of the African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC). It is therefore, an indispensable tool in achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and in facilitating regional integration particularly in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).
