RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language hosted the World Arabic Language Day celebration program and its accompanying exhibition at the UN headquarters in New York.

Organized in collaboration with the Kingdom’s permanent mission to the UN, the event was held under the theme, “Arabic Language and Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage,” from Dec. 9 to Dec. 11.

The academy’s secretary-general, Abdullah Al-Washmi, emphasized the Kingdom’s pivotal role in supporting the Arabic language globally, rooted in Saudi Vision 2030, as the birthplace of the Arabic language and the Holy Qur’an, and in preserving and promoting Arabic as an integral part of cultural identity.

He added that this year’s theme reflected a growing global awareness of the importance of the Arabic language, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Washmi said that the academy’s role was as a leading institution working to enhance the status of the Arabic language and developing tools for its teaching and dissemination locally and internationally, adding that the institution operated in more than 60 countries, demonstrating its global impact.

He also underscored the historical significance of the Arabic language at the UN, where it was recognized as one of its six official languages through a landmark resolution by the General Assembly in 1973.

Held under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the event was attended by high-ranking international and diplomatic figures.

This marks the fourth consecutive year of the celebration, showcasing the academy’s efforts to promote Arabic in global organizations and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s dedication to preserving the language’s cultural and scientific heritage.

The event included a panel discussion, “Arabic Translation at the UN,” featuring international experts and a virtual training course on “Arabic Translation Skills for Diplomatic Purposes” for UN staff.

An Arabic language exhibition featured artistic works and digital displays focused on the language’s beauty, history and impact on other civilizations. It reflected Saudi culture’s authenticity while introducing the academy’s activities and publications.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has discussed the situation in Syria with the UN’s special envoy to the country.

Prince Faisal received a phone call from Geir Pedersen on Wednesday, during which they discussed the latest developments in Syria, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Opposition fighters seized Damascus on Sunday, forcing former President Bashar Assad to flee the country.

The rebels announced an interim leader on Tuesday to act as caretaker prime minister.

Since Assad’s downfall, Israel has carried out airstrikes on Syria and sent troops across its border into a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights.

Saudi Arabia has condemned the Israeli action, saying it would sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring security, stability, and territorial integrity. 

Pedersen has called for Syria’s transition to be an inclusive process for the country’s different communities.