The 5th China Media Group (CMG) Chinese Language Video Festival took center stage at the United Nations office in Geneva on Tuesday, coinciding with the 2025 UN Chinese Language Day.
Addressing the event via video link, Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and CMG president, highlighted the growing global interest in Chinese culture. “The increasing popularity of Chinese stories has attracted more and more foreign friends to explore China,” Shen said. He emphasized the interconnectedness of China’s development with the world, expressing hope that the festival would inspire international visitors to discover new opportunities in China.
Tatiana Valovaya, director-general of the UN office in Geneva, praised the Chinese language as a timeless bridge connecting civilizations. “As one of the oldest and most influential languages in the world, Chinese has always fostered exchange and mutual learning among cultures,” she remarked. Valovaya called for collective efforts to respect cultural diversity and work towards a better future.
Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the UN office in Geneva, noted that Chinese Language Day showcases the UN’s commitment to cultural exchange. “The annual celebration reflects the importance the UN places on Chinese language and culture, illustrating our dedication to promoting mutual learning among world civilizations,” he said.
The event attracted over 300 guests, including permanent representatives from around 50 countries such as Russia, Serbia, Pakistan, Qatar, and Cameroon. Senior diplomats and representatives from international organizations also joined the festivities, highlighting the global appreciation for Chinese language and culture.
