Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kotsiras on International Greek Language Day 2025

Message from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Kotsiras

On the Occasion of the Celebration of the International Greek Language Day

9 February 2025

Greeks of the world

Friends of Greece

The celebration of the International Greek Language Day is a unique opportunity to reflect on the universality and timelessness of the Greek language. A language that has been spoken without interruption for centuries and constitutes the ark of Greek identity through time. A language with a unique contribution to global civilization, the sciences and the arts, a language that unites, gives shape and meaning to the world.

Through a series of initiatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is consistently promoting the Greek language internationally. The promotion of Greek language learning is among the main objectives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024-2027. The celebration of the 9th of February is also part of the Strategic Plan, and its designation has been a long-standing demand of the Greeks Abroad.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens signed a Protocol of Cooperation aimed at strengthening Greek language, history and culture. We upgraded the “staellinika.com” application, the modern Greek language learning platform and we strategically strengthened Greek Studies chairs and programs worldwide. We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Study in Greece organization aiming at connecting Greece’s academic community with the Diaspora and the internationalization of the Greek higher education.

Dear Friends,

Proud of our linguistic heritage, and in cooperation with our diplomatic and consular authorities abroad, the Greek schools and diaspora organizations, we continue to highlight the contribution of the Greek language to the global civilization. A language that was forged through our centuries-long, common historical journey and gave birth to the Greek culture and universal concepts and values. This is our legacy to the world and we should do our utmost to preserve it.