The 2023 United Nations (UN) Chinese Language Day in Vienna was held from May 2 to 5 at the Vienna International Centre, which is home to numerous international organizations.

Jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, as well as other international organizations in Vienna and the Shandong Provincial People's Government, the event had the theme of "Home of Confucius, Hub of the Belt and Road - A Real Story of the Global Civilization Initiative".

Visitors experience traditional Chinese rubbing at the 2023 United Nations Chinese Language Day in Vienna. [Photo/People's Daily]

Shandong is widely known as the hometown of Confucius and is an important hub of the Belt and Road Initiative. The event highlighted Shandong's profound culture, beautiful mountains and rivers, as well as its long history.

Four exhibitions featuring Chinese characters, Shandong hospitality, Qilu culture, as well as calligraphy and paintings from famous artists were displayed at the event, which attracted many senior diplomats and international staff of UN agencies.

At the Chinese character exhibition, staff members explained the structure of Chinese characters and their ideographic features to visitors.

"Chinese characters not only have unique morphological beauty, but also have profound connotations and implications due to their ideographic characteristics. They are an important carrier of traditional Chinese culture," said a staff member.

"The event provides a platform for people from different cultural backgrounds to communicate and exchange ideas. It also enhances people's understanding of the rich and colorful Chinese culture," said an official from the United Nations Office at Vienna.

As one of the six official spoken and written languages of the UN, as well as one of the most spoken languages in the world, Chinese has played a positive role in conveying the voice and views of the UN, ensuring its effective functioning, promoting communication among countries, and advancing multilateralism, said Li Song, representative of Permanent Mission of China to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna.

He called for holding high the banner of genuine multilateralism, upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, as well as working together to uphold the diversity of civilizations, promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and contribute to global openness and development.