The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa hosted an event on June 4 2026 to mark Russian Language Day ahead of its official global date.
The headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa hosted the event attended by Executive Secretary Claver Gatete diplomats from various countries United Nations agency representatives and members of the Russian community. Russia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin spoke at the ceremony linking the observance to Alexander Pushkin’s legacy. He noted that Russian universities have educated hundreds of thousands of specialists from Africa with 35,000 African students currently enrolled. Established by UNESCO in 2010 the day is marked each year on June 6 Pushkin’s birthday. The celebration included poetry recitals traditional dances musical performances and an exhibition of Russian art and artifacts.
