The Russian language is a language of culture, peace, development and love. It serves as a vital means of communication among nations, one of the official languages of the United Nations and an important tool of statecraft in contemporary diplomacy and international relations.
This was the central theme of the two-day Russian Language Seminar hosted by the Embassy of the Russian Federation from 28–29 September 2026 at The Venue Centre, Avondale, Harare, under the banner “Russian Language: Uniting Peoples.”
The seminar brought together alumni and students of the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy (ZID), friends of the Russian Federation, graduates who completed their studies in Russia and members of the media fraternity. Discussions explored how the Russian language fosters cultural understanding, educational exchange and international cooperation.
Participants engaged with Russian culture, traditions and cinema, while students and professionals with experience of studying or living in Russia shared their perspectives. Ambassador V. A. Chikanda, Chairperson and Principal Lecturer of ZID, reflected on his own experiences, describing Russian as “a language of love, peace, and science.”
Russian Attaché Anna Verkhovtseva emphasized the deep connection between language, history and identity, noting its role in strengthening mutual understanding between cultures.
As Zimbabwe and Russia celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations, the seminar underscored the importance of language, culture and people-to-people connections in advancing bilateral ties and promoting cultural diplomacy.
For ZID, the seminar was a timely reminder that diplomacy is not only built through official engagements but it can begin with language, deepen through culture and flourish through human connection.
