ISLAMABAD, Feb 10 (APP): Greek Ambassador to Pakistan Eleni Porichi on Tuesday said language learning helps young people understand cultures and connect with each other.
Speaking at the International Greek Language Day Competition in Islamabad, she encouraged students to explore the Greek language, history, and education opportunities in Greece.
She thanked the students for their participation and said such exchanges strengthen ties between countries, especially with Pakistan, which has a long cultural history.
Roots International Schools & Colleges, in collaboration with the Embassy of Greece in Pakistan, hosted the International Greek Language Day Competition at its Wellington Campus in Islamabad. Students from different institutions took part in the event, which focused on learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange through the Greek language.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Eleni Porichi said activities like this help students learn not only a new language but also understand people and traditions from other countries.
She said language builds bridges and allows nations to know each other better.
The ambassador appreciated the enthusiasm shown by Pakistani students in learning Greek and said this interest would help them discover the language and its background.
She also encouraged students to look beyond language learning and consider Greece for higher education. She said Greek universities offer academic opportunities and exposure to a rich cultural environment.
In her concluding remarks, the ambassador thanked Roots International Schools & Colleges and its partners for organizing the event and celebrating Greek language and culture.
CEO of Roots International Schools & Colleges, Walid Mushtaq, said such competitions and discussions help students develop interest in global languages and cultures. He said collaboration with the Embassy of Greece, Metropolitan University College, and academic partners opens new paths for cooperation between educational institutions. According to him, these partnerships support learning in a changing education system.
Walid Mushtaq said the event also promoted cultural exchange among students and strengthened people-to-people links between Pakistan and Greece. He added that learning different languages helps students understand global societies and prepares them for future academic collaboration.
The competition was held under the theme “Compete. Converse. Celebrate Greek.” Students took part in language-based activities and presented cultural performances from both Greece and Pakistan, highlighting shared values and traditions.
Following the decision adopted at the recent UNESCO General Conference concerning the Greek language and its contribution to universal culture, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, in accordance with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 71/328 on multilingualism and the importance of linguistic diversity for cultural diversity, has proclaimed 9 February of each year as World Greek Language Day.
At the end of the event, the Greek ambassador distributed tablets among participating students. Organizers said the competition aimed to promote awareness of Greek culture and its influence while encouraging students to engage with languages beyond their own.