Event held in Nicosia under presidential auspices
World Greek Language Day is being marked for the first time in Cyprus today, with a special event taking place in Nicosia under the auspices of President Nikos Christodoulides.
The event celebrates the official establishment of World Greek Language Day by UNESCO and is hosted at the Ceremonial Hall of the University of Cyprus.
Co-organisers and supporters
The event, titled «Ἐν λόγῳ ἑλληνικῷ ποὺ εἶν’ ὁ φορεὺς τῆς φήμης» (“in the Greek word, which is the bearer of renown”), is co-organised by the Embassy of Greece in Cyprus, the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth, and the University of Cyprus. The Cyprus News Agency (CNA) is the event’s official communication sponsor.
The initiative was undertaken by the Embassy of Greece in Cyprus, while the scientific coordination of the programme has been entrusted to Professor Georgios Xenys, President of the Department of Classics and Philosophy at the University of Cyprus.
UNESCO decision and significance of the Greek language
According to an announcement by the Embassy of Greece, UNESCO officially proclaimed 9 February as World Greek Language Day on 12 November 2025.
In its decision, UNESCO highlighted the historical and cultural importance of the Greek language, describing it as one of the world’s oldest languages and a linguistic foundation for key concepts that have shaped civilisation, science and philosophy.
Cultural reference to Cavafy
The verse featured in the title of the event is drawn from the poem «Ἐν δήμῳ τῆς Μικρᾶς Ἀσίας» (“In a city of Asia Minor”) by Constantine Cavafy. As noted by the organisers, the line reflects the cultural weight of the Greek language and the recognition it has rightfully received from the international community.
Broad institutional support
The event, which began at 9am, is supported by the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus, the Department of Classics and Philosophy, the Department of History and Archaeology, and the University of Cyprus Library, as well as the Cyprus Research Centre, the Directorate of Secondary General Education, Pancyprian Gymnasium and the Pancyprian Gymnasium Music School.
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