Wonderful to hear Greek spoken and sung by talented school students and distinguished speakers at an event last Thursday that marked International Greek Language Day (February 9).

Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Victoria Hislop, where among the guests that gathered at the Greek Ambassadors Residence to celebrate the Greek Language.

Following the message by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras on the 9th of February, Ambassador Yannis Tsaousis addressed this event speaking about the significance of the Greek language and its remarkable continuity through the centuries. He also highlighting the promotion of Greek language learning within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad, and relevant initiatives by Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgos Kotsiras and the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, John Chrysoulakis.

Later on, in a thought-provoking conversation with Ambassador Yannis Tsaousis, Victoria spoke about herjourney learning Greek, and writing about Greece.

Oxford student Ethan Chandler shared his powerful personal account of how his love of Greece, motivated him to learn the language.

How charitable organisations integrate Greek language learning into their work was the focus of 2 presentations about the Daughters of Penelope initiative to promote play-based Greek education to Greek Diaspora children & Kind at Heart Foundation's educational project in Tanzania.

Representing both the Greece and Cyprus Diaspora in the UK, and making the evening truly special, were school students from the Greek Primary School of London and the Hellenic School of High Barnet. They gave an unforgettable performance of Greek songs and a great poetry recital.