KUWAIT CITY, Dec 18:  Kuwait is participating in the global celebration of World Arabic Language Day on Wednesday, joining countries around the world in honoring the Arabic language. Spoken by the people of 22 countries and mastered by hundreds of millions globally, Arabic is celebrated for its unique characteristics, particularly as the language of the Holy Quran and one of the oldest living languages in the world.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) highlights the significant contributions of the Arabic language through the 2024 theme: "Contribution of the Arabic Language to Human Civilization and Culture." This theme acknowledges the immense impact Arabic has had on humanity, particularly in fostering cultural diversity and playing a key role in the Renaissance era. The Arabic language has greatly influenced the scientific advancements in Europe, as well as the development of modern science, civilizational progress, and intellectual development. It also emphasizes the role of Arabic grammar and linguistic rules in expanding human understanding and enabling the pronunciation of new sounds.

The United Nations recognizes Arabic as a gateway to a rich world of diversity in all its forms, including cultural, religious, and philosophical diversity. The language has shaped various artistic fields, including engineering, poetry, philosophy, and music, and has been central to politics, science, and literature for centuries.

Kuwait plays a significant role in supporting and preserving the Arabic language. The Kuwaiti constitution designates Arabic as the official language of the country, used in official correspondence. Scientific, academic institutions, and public benefit organizations in Kuwait have long prioritized teaching, promoting, and enhancing the Arabic language. Kuwait has made substantial contributions to the global Arabic literary and cultural scene, with numerous publications, festivals, and cultural activities dedicated to the language.

Among the most notable contributions is Al-Arabi Magazine, Kuwait's gift to the world, along with various encyclopedias and publications by prestigious institutions such as the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters. This includes the 40-part Taj Al-Arous, heritage books, and the World of Knowledge book series, as well as World Culture and World Creativity magazines. The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences also plays a vital role in promoting the Arabic language through its encyclopedias and publications like the Encyclopedia of the Holy Quran, Science magazine, and How Things Work series.

In addition, Sakhr Company, based in Kuwait, has pioneered several computer programs and systems focused on the Arabic language, including tools for linguistic analysis and writing correction. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs publishes books on Arabic language sciences, while the Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain Cultural Foundation supports Arabic language and poetry through training courses and conferences in cooperation with universities across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States.

Various public benefit associations and private sector organizations in Kuwait, such as the Kuwaiti Writers Association and the Good Society, also promote the Arabic language and encourage reading. These initiatives aim to strengthen cultural identity, spread the Arabic language, and instill a love for it in future generations.

The history of celebrating World Arabic Language Day dates back to December 18, 1973, when the United Nations officially recognized Arabic as one of its official languages, alongside other widely spoken languages. This decision acknowledged Arabic as one of the most prominent and widely used languages in the world.