10 June, 2025
Addis Ababa,10 June 2025 (ECA) – The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) hosted a celebration of Russian Language Day as part of strengthening multilateralism and honouring the richness, resilience, and global significance of the Russian language. Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the Russian Federation and the Russian Centre for Science and Culture in Addis Ababa, the event brought together UN staff, diplomats, members of the Russian community in Ethiopia.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Nita Deerpalsing, Director of the Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division (PCKMD) at ECA, underlined the cultural and literary heritage of the Russian language, describing it as “a mighty river which for centuries has watered the fertile lands of literature, philosophy, and the human spirit.”
Ms. Deerpalsing paid tribute to literary giants such as Aleksandr Pushkin, Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Anton Chekhov, and Nikolai Gogol, along with philosophers like Vladimir Solovëv and Nikolai Berdyaev, whose contributions have shaped and enriched the Russian language. She noted that their works “resonate far beyond the borders of the Russian Federation, touching the whole world with their depth and humanity.”
She further added, “The Russian language lives on as a tool for dialogue and creation, carrying the memory of its great minds and the energy of today’s diverse voices. To celebrate the Russian language is to celebrate the human capacity to dream, think, love, and resist. It is to honor a tradition that, while deeply rooted in its own history, has never ceased to embrace the universal, the contemporary, and progress.”
Evgeny Terekhin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Ethiopia, emphasized the significance of Russian Language Day, stating: “Today, in the heart of the African continent and within the halls of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, we gather to celebrate an event that unites people beyond borders and time zones. I extend sincere gratitude to the ECA leadership for making this celebration possible, and to all present for your enduring interest in Russian culture and language—an interest that transcends politics and temporary circumstances.”
The Ambassador highlighted Pushkin’s importance, describing him as “not merely a great poet, but a tuning fork for the soul of every Russian speaker… Pushkin did not merely call for preserving the language – he actively developed it, enriched it, brought it closer to folk speech while simultaneously maintaining its nobility and elegance. This is precisely why we call him ‘the sun of Russian poetry’ and the founder of modern Russian literary language.”
He further elaborated on the nature of language, describing it as “a unique cultural code, a repository of a people’s memory, and simultaneously a dynamic system that constantly develops and reflects all changes in society’s life. Language, when one reflects upon it, is a remarkable phenomenon. Imagine: a certain combination of sounds that bears no inherent relation to the object it denotes suddenly becomes a carrier of meaning, evokes images, awakens emotions, and transmits values. Language is a miracle accessible to all humanity.”
Ambassador Terekhin also underscored the role of diplomacy in language preservation: “The preservation and development of language is a task not only for linguists and writers but also for diplomats. After all, diplomacy, with its attention to nuances, search for precise formulations, and ability to express complex thoughts clearly and concisely, is closely related to the art of mastering words.” He explained that diplomacy requires precision and clarity, much like poetry, where the choice of words is crucial to convey the intended meaning effectively.
Reflecting on Russia-Africa ties, the Ambassador highlighted the historical links, particularly with Ethiopia: “Ethiopia, with its ancient history and culture, has always evoked special interest among Russian scholars, writers, and diplomats. Let us recall at least the poet Nikolai Gumilev, for whom Ethiopia became a source of inspiration. His verses continue to captivate with their depth of penetration into the spirit of this country.”
Speaking at the event, Rita Bissoonauth, Director of UNESCO’s Liaison Office to the African Union and ECA, emphasized language’s significance: “Language is far more than a tool for communication; it is the vessel of memory, the heartbeat of identity, and a unique lens through which we view the world.” Underlining the historical connections between Russia and Africa, she noted: “Few today remember how many African scholars, engineers, and writers were shaped by Russian education in the 20th century. From Moscow to Kyiv, Leningrad to Tashkent, generations of African intellectuals were nurtured, forging lasting ties of friendship, cooperation, and respect.”
The programme featured short video screenings on Pushkin’s life and Armenia’s cultural heritage within Russia, performances of Russian music and dance, an exhibition of Russian crafts and souvenirs, and readings of Pushkin’s poetry, including an Amharic rendition of ‘Monument’ by Ethiopian poet and playwright Ayalneh Mulatu.
In his closing remarks, ECA’s Marcel Balboa, Chief of Publications and Conference Management, stated: “This celebration of Russian Language Day 2025 reminds us that languages are not merely tools of communication—they are guardians of culture, vessels of identity, and bridges connecting peoples across generations and continents.” Quoting Pushkin, he concluded: “Language is the soul of a people,” and expressed gratitude to all partners, contributors, and performers for making the event a memorable success.
Russian Language Day is observed each year on 6 June to coincide with the birthday of Alexander Pushkin, widely regarded as the founder of modern Russian literature. The event was commemorated on 10 June this year due to scheduling considerations.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org