Swiss Ambassador: Differences in Languages and Cultures Open Horizons for Human Understanding and Mutual Knowledge
Swiss Ambassador Tiziano Palmyeri emphasized the importance of preserving cultural and linguistic diversity during the Francophone Month celebrations in Kuwait.
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
He celebrated the Francophone Month in the presence of ambassadors and diplomats.
The Swiss Ambassador to Kuwait, Tiziano Palmieri, emphasized the importance of preserving and enhancing cultural and linguistic diversity, calling for pride in local languages and cultures, foremost among which are the Arabic language and Kuwaiti culture. He warned that the growing global trend toward adopting a single language could lead to a decline in this diversity, which is one of the most significant sources of richness for human societies.
This statement came during an interview given by the Ambassador on the sidelines of the screening of the Swiss film *Tambour battant*, hosted at his residence the evening before yesterday as part of the events of the Francophone Month in Kuwait. The event was attended by the ambassadors of Canada and Belgium, representatives of the French Embassy and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation, along with a number of citizens.
Palmieri expressed his country’s pride in its membership in the Francophone family, reaffirming the Embassy’s commitment to cooperating with member states of the International Organization of La Francophonie to strengthen the presence of the French language in Kuwait and broaden the horizons of cultural communication and interaction. He praised the notable presence of the French language in Kuwait, noting the existence of hundreds of qualified teachers instructing it and thousands of citizens and residents who speak it, considering this a positive and distinctive phenomenon that reflects interest in the French language and culture.
The Swiss Ambassador pointed out that these commonalities confirm that differences in languages and cultures do not erase the shared human experiences that unite people; rather, they open wider horizons for acquaintance and understanding.
Regarding the role of embassies in enhancing intercultural dialogue, Palmieri believed that the role of diplomatic missions and official institutions complements the efforts of citizens, civil society institutions, and the private sector, which represent the primary driver of social and cultural life. He stressed that the core message he hopes the film conveys to the audience is the importance of protecting cultural and linguistic diversity, expressing his hope that this will encourage the audience in Kuwait to take pride in their Arabic language and Kuwaiti and local culture.
Ambassador Palmieri concluded that preserving languages and cultures is a shared responsibility, requiring adherence to cultural identity and its transmission to future generations. He clarified that although humans belong to a single human family, they speak different languages and belong to diverse cultures, which is what gives human societies their beauty and richness.
