China Embassy Book Donation Ceremony to the National Library of Maldives- Opening Remarks by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Hao Zhang

Language is more than a tool for communication-it is a carrier of culture, values, and shared understanding.

Director General of National Library of Maldives Ms. Fathimath Shiham,

Distinguished management of the National Library of Maldives and other academic institutions,

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Assalam Alaikum and a very Good morning. It is an honour to join you today as Chief Guest, primarily to mark the celebration of United Nations Chinese Language Day (20 April), a day that recognizes the richness, history, and global significance of the Chinese language as one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

Language is more than a tool for communication-it is a carrier of culture, values, and shared understanding. UN Chinese Language Day reminds us of the importance of multilingualism and cultural diversity in advancing dialogue, mutual respect, and international cooperation. It is therefore especially fitting that this celebration takes place in a space dedicated to knowledge and learning, the National Library of Maldives.

Today's event is further enriched by the generous book donation from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. These books serve as enduring ambassadors of language and culture, offering Maldivian readers the opportunity to engage more deeply with Chinese literature, history, and thought. In this way, the donation meaningfully complements the spirit of Chinese Language Day-promoting linguistic learning and cross-cultural understanding.

This occasion also aligns closely with the observance of World Book and Copyright Day (23 April), which celebrates books as powerful tools for education, imagination, and social progress, while reminding us of the importance of protecting intellectual and creative works. Together, these global observances highlight the central role that language, books, and knowledge play in building inclusive and informed societies.

Libraries such as this one are essential to these goals. They are open spaces where languages meet, ideas are exchanged, and learning becomes accessible to all. From the perspective of the United Nations, strengthening access to information and education is fundamental to achieving sustainable development and empowering future generations.

I would like to commend the National Library of Maldives for its dedication to promoting reading and cultural exchange, and to thank the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for its continued support of initiatives that bring our communities closer together.

As we celebrate UN Chinese Language Day today, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to multilingualism, cultural dialogue, and knowledge as a force for peace and development.

Thank you very much.