Shamil Translation provided English–Chinese simultaneous interpretation support during UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The assignment was delivered on three separate dates during the conference: 2, 9 and 13 December 2024. The interpretation enabled English- and Chinese-speaking participants to follow discussions and communicate in real time without interrupting the programme.
Project Requirements
The assignment required simultaneous interpretation between English and Chinese in an international conference environment.
The interpreter needed to follow speakers closely and communicate their intended meaning accurately while keeping pace with presentations and live discussions.
As the programme addressed environmental and international policy matters, careful attention was required when handling specialised terminology, institutional names and formal statements.
Main Challenges
Specialised Subject Matter
Discussions at UNCCD COP16 involved topics connected to land, drought, sustainability and international cooperation.
The interpreter needed to understand the context of each session and deliver technical information clearly without changing its meaning.
Real-Time Communication
Simultaneous interpretation requires the interpreted message to be delivered while the speaker continues.
This demanded sustained concentration, rapid language processing and accurate communication between two linguistically different languages.
Terminology Consistency
The service was provided on three non-consecutive dates. Maintaining consistent English–Chinese terminology across the different sessions was therefore important.
Our Approach
Shamil Translation focused on:
Accurate English–Chinese interpretation
Preparation for specialised subject matter
Consistent rendering of technical terminology
Clear and professional delivery
Neutral communication
Coordination with the event schedule
Respect for confidentiality
Outcome
The interpretation support helped English- and Chinese-speaking participants follow the relevant sessions and engage with the programme in real time.
The assignment reflects Shamil Translation’s experience supporting major international conferences in Saudi Arabia with professional interpreters for specialised and multilingual communication.
