2024 Theme — Arabic Language and AI: Advancing Innovation while Preserving Cultural Heritage
Arabic, spoken by over 450 million people and holding official status in nearly 25 countries, is a global language with immense cultural significance. Yet, only 3% of online content is available in Arabic, restricting access for millions. This event gathers top scholars, industry experts, and cultural leaders to explore how AI can bridge this digital gap, enhancing Arabic representation online and fostering both innovation and heritage preservation. This year the event starts with opening remarks from distinguished speakers, leading into sessions on Arabic AI innovation, cultural and linguistic preservation, and digital empowerment. The day concludes with a captivating light calligraphy show.
Background
The Arabic language is a pillar of the cultural diversity of humanity. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 400 million people. World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on 18 December since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization.
In the diversity of its forms, classic or dialectal, from oral expression to poetic calligraphy, the Arabic language has given rise to a fascinating aesthetic, in fields as varied as architecture, poetry, philosophy and song. It gives access to an incredible variety of identities and beliefs and its history reveals the richness of its links with other languages. Arabic has played a catalytic role in knowledge, promoting the dissemination of Greek and Roman sciences and philosophies to Renaissance Europe. It has enabled a dialogue of cultures along the silk roads, from the coast of India to the Horn of Africa.
Arabic plays a major role in promoting social cohesion, knowledge production and spreading the values of peace and mutual understanding. Its contribution to humanity cannot be reduced to one people, as it is a civilization’s legacy for the entire world.
In support of and promotion of multilingualism and multiculturalism in the United Nations, the United Nations Department of Global Communications — formerly known as the Department of Public Information — adopted a decision on the eve of the observance of International Mother Language Day to celebrate each of the six official languages ??of the United Nations. Accordingly, it was decided to celebrate the Arabic language on 18 December, as it is the day on which General Assembly resolution of 18 December 1973 included Arabic among the official and working languages ??of the United Nations.