JEDDAH, JAN 9 (DNA):On January 09, 2025, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) collaborated with the King Salman International Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) to commemorate World Arabic Language Day at the OIC headquarters in Saudi Arabia. This year’s event focused on the theme “Arabic Language and Artificial Intelligence: Promoting Innovation while Preserving Cultural Heritage.” The celebration featured extensive participation from representatives of the Member States, pertinent OIC institutions and organs, as well as various Arabic Language Academies.
H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, OIC Secretary-General, emphasized that the initiative to commemorate World Arabic Language Day in collaboration with the KSGAAL underscores the General Secretariat’s commitment to engaging with all stakeholders within Saudi Arabia and the Member States. This initiative aims to elevate the Arabic language to the prominence it deserves. In remarks conveyed by Amb. Tarig Bakheit, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural, and Social Affairs, the Secretary-General expressed gratitude for the fruitful collaboration with the KSGAAL and anticipated enhanced cooperation with various partners across the Member States moving forward.
During his address, H.E. Prof. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, Secretary-General of the KSGAAL, expressed profound gratitude to H.H. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the KSGAAL. He acknowledged the Minister’s unwavering support for the KSGAAL initiatives, strategic direction, and operational activities. Additionally, he extended his appreciation to the OIC for its ongoing assistance and collaboration.
Prof. Dr. Al-Washmi conveyed the KSGAAL enthusiasm in serving as a principal partner for the event. He emphasized the OIC’s commitment to promoting the Arabic language across diverse domains through targeted programs and initiatives. This commitment includes fostering collaborative partnerships with various countries and institutions worldwide to enhance the usage and appreciation of Arabic in both academic and professional spheres.
The celebration focused on the status of the Arabic language across various Member States, highlighting contributions from leading scholars in the field. Representatives from Qatar, Egypt, Palestine, Türkiye, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Chad, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senegal, Bangladesh, and Nigeria engaged in a series of interventions, discussing the linguistic, cultural, and educational implications of Arabic in their respective contexts.
This celebration is aligned with the implementation of ministerial directives aimed at enhancing the presence of the Arabic language, which is recognized as the language of the Qur’an. Notably, this initiative follows Ministerial Resolution No. 13/50-CUL, which emerged from the 50th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held on August 29-30, 2024, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The resolution focuses on promoting, preserving, and disseminating the Arabic language, thereby reinforcing its significance and consolidating its role within the international community.
The celebration seeks to highlight the significant contributions of the Arabic language, particularly as the language of the Qur’an, and its vital role in enhancing linguistic and cultural diversity globally. It underscores the Arabic language’s importance in knowledge production and its foundational role in the cultural tapestry of humanity.
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