KUWAIT: Swiss Ambassador to Kuwait Tiziano Balmelli has reaffirmed Switzerland’s pride in being part of the Francophone community, highlighting the importance of promoting the French language in Kuwait and working with member states of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to organise activities that provide the public with greater opportunities to communicate in French and discover different cultures. Speaking on the sidelines of a screening of the Swiss film “Tambour battant”, hosted at his residence as part of Francophonie Month in Kuwait, Balmelli stressed that preserving cultural and linguistic diversity has become increasingly important amid a global trend towards the widespread use of a single language.
He underlined the need to protect local languages and cultures, particularly Arabic and Kuwaiti culture, emphasizing that linguistic and cultural diversity is an essential part of humanity’s richness. The event was attended by the ambassadors of Canada and Belgium, representatives of the French Embassy and the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation, as well as a number of Kuwaiti citizens.
Strong Francophone presence
Balmelli said French holds an important place in Switzerland, with deep historical roots and established traditions in Swiss society. It is also one of the country’s national and official languages. “We are proud to be part of the large Francophone family around the world,” he said, noting that cooperation with fellow OIF member states was a natural part of the Swiss Embassy’s efforts to strengthen the presence of French in Kuwait and expand its use. He expressed admiration for the strong presence of the French language in Kuwait, pointing to the hundreds of qualified French-language teachers and thousands of citizens and residents who speak the language.
Describing this as a positive and distinctive feature of Kuwait’s cultural landscape, Balmelli said the embassy was proud to contribute to promoting French and supporting its continued development. He added that the embassy seeks to provide opportunities, events and spaces for people to meet and communicate in French, while also introducing the public to Swiss culture. Further activities centered on the French language are planned for the coming months, he said, offering additional opportunities for cultural exchange and interaction.
Swiss cinema
Discussing the film “Tambour battant”, Balmelli explained that although it is a relatively recent Swiss production, its fictional story is set in the 1970s and revolves around rivalry between residents of two villages in the Swiss mountains. Presented as a comedy, the film explores relationships and everyday experiences that are familiar to people across different societies, including love stories, competition and disputes between neighbors.
Balmelli said the film was selected to offer audiences an entertaining cinematic experience while introducing them to an aspect of Swiss culture. He noted that the screening also provided an opportunity to enjoy a light-hearted film at a time when the world is facing rapid geopolitical developments and considerable pressures. The story, he added, reflects common human experiences that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, demonstrating that people share many of the same emotions and everyday challenges despite differences in their backgrounds and traditions.
Embassies complement efforts
Addressing the role of diplomatic missions in bringing cultures and communities closer together, Balmelli said embassies and official institutions play a complementary role in cultural life. Citizens, community institutions, the private sector and other components of society remain the main drivers of social and cultural activities, including initiatives related to the French language, he explained. Embassies contribute by supporting these efforts and working alongside a broad network of partners, each of whom has a role to play in promoting cultural understanding and exchange. Hosting cultural evenings at diplomatic residences, he added, helps create opportunities for people with shared interests to meet, exchange experiences and learn about different cultures.
Protecting cultural identity
Balmelli said the central message he hoped audiences would take away from the film was the importance of cultural diversity and the need to preserve it for future generations. He expressed hope that this message would also encourage people in Kuwait to take pride in their Arabic language and Kuwaiti and local culture, while resisting trends towards cultural uniformity that could undermine diversity. “We must preserve our languages and cultures and be proud of them, whether Arabic, Kuwaiti or other local languages and cultures,” he said. Balmelli emphasized that humanity belongs to one family, despite speaking different languages and belonging to diverse cultures. This diversity, he concluded, is a source of beauty and richness for human society and the planet, making it essential to protect it and pass it on to future generations.