Arabic Calligraphy: Chosen Theme for the World Arabic Language Day 2014

Arabic calligraphy has been selected as the theme of the 2014 celebration of World Arabic Language Day, on 18 December 2014. The decision was made by the International Advisory Board of the Plan for the Development of Arab Culture “Arabia Plan”, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

Dr. Ziad Aldrees, who serves as the President of the Advisory Board and also Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO, explained that the decision was made in conjunction with the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Center. He emphasized the contribution of Arabic calligraphy to global culture, driving art and creativity in human civilizations, throughout history. Dr.Aldrees added that the celebration seeks to draw attention to the beauty and value of the Arabic calligraphy.

Linguistics experts, writers, scholars, diplomats and UNESCO specialists will participate in the seminars dedicated to the day. Furthermore, an exhibition of Arabic calligraphy, scheduled to be inaugurated during the ceremony, will be attended by a number of calligraphers from different parts of the world.

The Chairman of the Advisory Commission called cultural and educational institutions, as well as media organizations, in the Arab world to mobilize public support for this occasion, and to celebrate the value of the Arabic language.

During its 190th session in October 2012, UNESCO’s Executive Board established 18 December as World Arabic Language Day. It marks the day when the United Nations General Assembly included Arabic among its official and working languages, in 1973.

The Arabic Plan was created by UNESCO in 1999, aiming to “provide a framework within which to develop their cultural heritage, preserving the past but placing particular emphasis on the future, opening the Arab world to new influences and technologies while safeguarding the integrity of Arab heritage.”

Sh. Kh.