The UN Chinese Language Day 2026 and the sixth edition of the China Media Group (CMG) Chinese Language Video Festival were successfully held on 17 April at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The event, co-hosted by CMG, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations in Geneva and the United Nations Office at Geneva, attracted more than 350 guests from over 30 countries.

Speaking via video, CMG President Shen Haixiong stressed that Chinese characters represent the cultural code of Chinese civilization, adding that CMG is committed to promoting cultural exchange through technology and creative programs.

Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya described the Chinese language as a key bridge between China and the world and said this year's theme „Wisdom“ reflects the shared mission of the UN.

Čínský velvyslanec Jia Guide He stressed that wisdom is the driving force of civilizations, national development and global cooperation.

The event included interactive programmes such as „Seeing Words as Faces“, during which young diplomats and students shared their personal stories related to Chinese characters. A striking moment was a reflection by a student Katia Poli above the character „Yuan“ (destiny or connection).

Participants also enjoyed screenings of CMG cultural programmes, calligraphy demonstrations, intangible cultural heritage presentations and interactive installations using artificial intelligence.

The United Nations established Chinese Language Day in 2010 on the day of the „Cereal Rain“ holiday, one of the 24 solar seasons in the Chinese lunar calendar. This year was the sixth in a row that the festival was held together.

CMG