In according to (16 May 2007) the UN General Assembly proclaims 2008 International Year of Languages, in efforts to promote Unity in diversity, and also its recognition that the United Nations pursues multilingualism as a means of promoting, protecting and preserving diversity of languages and cultures globally, emphasized the paramount importance of the quality of the Organization's six official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish). Based on this, Arabic Language International Council was declared by the Arab universities association members in the presence of more than 160 university rectors and presidents during their 41 conference which took place in Riyadh in 14–16 April 2008.