Greek community leaders in Australia have expressed disappointment and frustration following the federal government’s decision not to support a UNESCO proposal declaring February 9 as World Greek Language Day.
The decision, made earlier this month by Australia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, comes despite the proposal being co-sponsored by a record 87 member states—including the United States, China, Germany, India, Egypt, Argentina, and South Korea—and eventually adopted unanimously.
The move has sparked backlash from across the Greek-Australian diaspora, which has long advocated for recognition of the Greek language’s profound influence on world culture, philosophy, and democracy. Greek is also one of Australia’s officially recognised Priority Languages, and its speakers have been a foundational part of Australia’s multicultural landscape for over a century.
Prominent academic and community advocate Professor Anastasios Tamis described the decision as “a disgrace for Australian citizens of Hellenic ancestry,” emphasising the symbolic importance of the recognition for the preservation of cultural identity and the legacy of Hellenism in Australia.
“The negative attitude of official Australia… is a slur to Hellenism, especially at a time when 87 UNESCO countries had already accepted the proposal,” Prof. Tamis said in a statement.
“It is about the uniqueness of Greek and its cultural contribution to Humanity, which Australia has refused to accept.”
Community organisations are now formally seeking clarification from the Australian Government.
On April 22, a joint letter was sent on behalf of the Australian Hellenic Council by Peter Stefanidis, President, and Dean Kalimniou, Secretary, representing Greek-Australian groups across the country.
The letter was addressed to Ms Greer Alblas, Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
The letter in full:
Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO
Ms Greer Alblas
By email.
Re: UNESCO WORLD GREEK LANGUAGE DAY
Dear Ambassador,
We refer to the above and advise we are an entity representing various Greek-Australian community groups throughout Australia.
We understand that on or about 14 April 2025, UNESCO adopted 9 February as UNESCO World Greek Language Day.
We also understand that the original proposal was co-sponsored by 87 UNESCO member states, including China, Germany, Egypt, Argentina, India, Italy, South Korea, along with many others.
We note with surprise, given the large population of Greek-speaking people in Australia, their long presence within our country which goes back over one hundred years, and the fact that Greek is one of nine Australian priority languages, that Australia did not support the proposal and did not vote in favour of its adoption.
In this regard, we would be grateful if you would be able to advise us as to the reasons behind Australia’s decision not to support the proposal.
Kind regards,
Peter Stefanidis, President
Dean Kalimniou, Secretary
