UNESCO Declares 9 February as World Greek Language Day – Australia Among Key Co-Sponsors

UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference has officially proclaimed 9 February as World Greek Language Day, marking a landmark moment for Hellenism and the global legacy of the Greek language. Australia was among the nations that formally co-sponsored the resolution, highlighting the deep cultural and historical ties shared with its thriving Greek diaspora.

Australia’s support and the Greek diaspora connection

Speaking in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Greece’s Minister for Culture Lina Mendoni thanked the countries that backed the initiative.
“The celebration of the Greek language is, above all, a celebration of multilingualism,” she noted.

The Australian Embassy in Greece expressed pride in co-sponsoring the resolution, emphasising the significance of Greek as the sixth most spoken language in Australia.
“With more than 500,000 Australians of Greek heritage, the Greek language forms an important part of Australia’s multicultural fabric,” the Embassy said, adding that it looked forward to celebrating the new international day with communities across the country.

A short video released by the Embassy reinforced Australia’s longstanding relationship with Greece—one shaped by family, culture, history and shared values.

A diplomatic milestone

The announcement follows earlier confirmation by Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad Giannis Loverdos, during his recent visit to Australia, that the Albanese Government would support the resolution. Federal MP Steve Georganas also welcomed the move.

Clarifying earlier confusion about Australia’s initial position, Ambassador Alison Duncan explained that the delay in co-signing was purely procedural due to the caretaker government in early 2025.
“We warmly welcome World Greek Language Day and will celebrate it every year,” she said. “It would be absurd to think that Australia would oppose such a proposal.”

Greece’s powerful presentation

During the session, Minister Mendoni highlighted the enduring global influence of the Greek language:
“Spoken and written continuously for nearly four millennia, the Greek language is the oldest Indo-European language with written records,” she said, describing it as a living bridge between ancient and modern expression.

In a memorable moment, Mendoni concluded her speech in English using exclusively Greek-derived words—an homage to Xenophon Zolotas’ acclaimed 1959 addresses—demonstrating the language’s profound impact on global vocabulary.

Quoting poet Odysseas Elytis, she added that modern Greeks are not only speakers but “custodians of the language’s universal resonance.”

UNESCO updates and Greece’s cultural appeals

During the same conference, Greece renewed its call for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, with Mendoni urging member states to support their return to the Acropolis Museum. She also presented major cultural initiatives, including:

• the Red List of Cultural Goods
• the Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Property
• the inscription of Minoan Palace Centres on the World Heritage List
• the nomination of Mount Olympus for UNESCO World Heritage status

A symbolic date for Hellenism

The newly established World Greek Language Day will be celebrated annually on 9 February — the anniversary of the death of national poet Dionysios Solomos, author of the Hymn to Liberty, later adopted as the Greek national anthem. His timeless question — “Have I anything else in mind but freedom and language?” — now gains new global significance.