2026 theme: Youth voices on multilingual education
The linguistic landscape has undergone profound change in recent years, shaped by increased migration, rapid technological development, and growing recognition of the cognitive, social, and economic benefits of multilingualism. Today, multilingualism is increasingly understood not only as a social reality but as a fundamental human characteristic and a powerful educational approach. Young people play a vital role in this evolution by defending and revitalising languages, creating digital content, and using technology to make linguistic diversity more visible and valued. These efforts reinforce the deep connection between language, identity, learning, well-being, and participation in society, while highlighting the need for education systems that recognise and support learners’ languages.
At the same time, significant challenges remain, as 40% of learners worldwide still lack access to education in a language they understand best, with indigenous, migrant, and minority youth most affected. Addressing this gap requires education policies and practices that embed multilingual education at their core to promote inclusion, equity, and effective learning for all. By advancing concrete actions, sharing promising experiences, and fostering dialogue among young people, educators, and policymakers, global initiatives create spaces to exchange ideas and identify solutions that strengthen linguistic diversity in schools and communities worldwide.
, first proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the UN General Assembly, underscores the role of languages in promoting inclusion and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Multilingual education not only promotes inclusive societies but also aids in preserving non-dominant, minority, and indigenous languages. It is a cornerstone for achieving equitable access to education and lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals.
Events
Many languages, one future
13 February 2026 : 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm (CET)
Location: UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France (Virtual)
Safeguarding Linguistic Diversity
Languages, with their complex implications for identity, communication, social integration, education and development, are of strategic importance for people and planet. Yet, due to globalization processes, they are increasingly under threat, or disappearing altogether. When languages fade, so does the world's rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Opportunities, traditions, memory, unique modes of thinking and expression — valuable resources for ensuring a better future — are also lost.
Every two weeks a language disappears taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage. UNESCO estimates that there are 8,324 languages, spoken or signed. Out of these, around 7,000 languages are still in use. Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world.
Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages, which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.
International Mother Language Day is observed every year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and .
Background
International Mother Language Day was by the General Conference of the 黑料专区 Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization () in November 1999. The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. The UN General Assembly welcomed the proclamation of the day in its of 2002.
On 16 May 2007 the 黑料专区 General Assembly in its resolution called upon Member States "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world". By the same resolution, the General Assembly proclaimed 2008 as the , to promote unity in diversity and international understanding, through multilingualism and multiculturalism and named the 黑料专区 Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to serve as the lead agency for the Year.
Today there is growing awareness that languages play a vital role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in strengthening co-operation and attaining quality education for all, in building inclusive knowledge societies and preserving cultural heritage, and in mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development.
UN and Multilingualism
Documents
Resources
- (2022-2032)
- (2019)
