Foreign Languages & Culture Open Day
Riara University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Jambo, Bonjour, Guten Morgen, Nǐ hǎo, Marhaban – you guessed it. These are greetings in various foreign languages.
On July 24, 2025, the School of International Relations and Diplomacy hosted its inaugural Foreign Languages Cultural Open Day under the theme “Multiplicity of Skills for Diplomatic Efficiency and Professional Development.”
The event aimed to celebrate linguistic diversity while underscoring the importance of foreign language skills in international diplomacy and professional growth.
The event took place in Room G-15 and the University’s garden and brought together students, faculty and special guests from Goethe Institut, Alliance Francaise, Confucius Institute-University of Nairobi, Discovery Chinese Cultural Training Center, Kenya Institute of Foreign Languages and Professional Studies, Kifaransa Village and a representative from the Russian Embassy in Nairobi. Additionally, in the garden, the guests set up booths with cultural artifacts turning the venue into a miniature global village.
Room G15 buzzed with life, alive with voices in Swahili, Mandarin, German, Arabic, French, and more. It felt like stepping into a living language map.
The day’s activities officially began with a word of prayer led by Dr. Hassan Kinyua, who then welcomed the audience. He emphasized the vital role of language in diplomacy, explaining that for diplomats, language is not just a means of communication but a bridge that builds relationships and expands global networks.
The Dean, Riara school of International Relations, Professor Francis Onditi, then took to the stage. He welcomed the various institutions in attendance and reflected on the theme of the day, stating that without language, diplomacy cannot exist. “An astute diplomat knows more than their own language,” he noted. He went on to highlight the collective responsibility we all share in creating a peaceful world, pointing out that conflict resolution is impossible without communication.
After the welcome remarks, representatives from each invited institution stepped forward to share brief presentations about their organizations. They discussed the importance of the languages they promote, the unique opportunities available to students both professionally and globally, and the structure of their programs. They also explained how these languages can serve as pathways into the field of diplomacy.
Before inviting the guest speaker from the Russian Embassy, Professor Onditi offered a moment of reflection. He encouraged the audience to look beyond dominant Western narratives when seeking global solutions. He urged students to embrace diverse perspectives and alternative worldviews, adding that African languages have immense potential to influence global conversations, including at high-level platforms such as the United Nations. His words were a powerful reminder that diversity should not only be acknowledged but actively valued in diplomacy and international discourse.
The guest speaker kept his remarks concise and impactful. He spoke on the value of learning new languages, noting that it enhances one’s skill set and offers insight into the culture of those who speak it.
Following the speeches, the energy shifted to the open space as students explored the cultural booths. At the Chinese booth, students painted traditional characters with delicate brushstrokes, created paper art, and decorated miniature artifacts. At the French, Arabic, and German booths, they flipped through language books, played trivia games, picked up colorful wristbands and souvenirs. The activities provided an engaging, hands-on opportunity to learn, create, and connect with new cultures in an enjoyable and meaningful way.
“A different language is a different vision of life.” —Federico Fellini
