This first commemoration of the World Kiswahili language Day is held under the theme "Kiswahili for peace and prosperity" in cognizance with the role of the language in promoting an enviroment for tolerance, dialog and shared perspective for development as part of the UNESCO mandate. The mission of the annual celebration is to promote the use of Kiswahili language as a beacon for peace, and enhanced multiculturalism.
Kiswahili language is not only a tool for everyday communication, but is also a beacon for shared cultural identities, historical values and visions falling part of the 10 most widely spoken language in Sub-Saharan African Community (EAC) and the Southern Africa Development community (SADC). It is therefore, an indispensable tool in achievement of the Sustainable Debelopment Goals 2030 and in facilitating regional intergration.
Kiswahili language now serves as working languages of the EAC, SADC, and AU which compliments to the vision of inspiring the world with the rich values of the language.
Within the east African Region, Kiswahili has been the instrument of dialogue among civilizations, acting as a bridge of shared relations among societies. Over time, Kiswahili language has invested in the historical ties of societies and countries reflecting on the quest for independence, intercultural, connections and good neighbourliness.