RIYADH : Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad was invited to deliver a speech on “the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity in today’s world” at an event held to mark the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, proclaimed by UNESCO and adopted by the UN General Assembly. The event was organized by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Riyadh.
Attending as the guest speaker, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad emphasized that linguistic and cultural diversity form the fabric of human civilization. He explained that with over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide and countless cultural traditions in existence, this diversity enriches the global community in numerous ways, and promotes mutual understanding, fosters creativity, and strengthens social cohesion. He pointed out that the rapid pace of globalization and technological advancement threatens many of these unique languages and cultures, making it crucial for the global community to take action to preserve them. Moreover, he stated that modern technology can serve as a powerful tool to document endangered languages, promote cultural exchange, and provide access to diverse content through digital platforms.
Riyadh-based Ambassadors, diplomats, academia and other invitees participated in the event. Children of Bangladesh International School in Riyadh performed vibrant cultural events highlighting the significance of the International Mother Language Day.
