About
February 21st is International Mother Language Day, which is observed every year to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism.
International Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism are critical to advancing inclusion and are a necessary part of meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The day was originally established by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. It contributes to the United Nations International Day of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), which places multilingualism at the centre of Indigenous people’s development.
2022 provided a call for policymakers, educators and teachers, parents, and families to increase their commitments to multilingual education and inclusion in education, to advance recovery in the context of COVID-19.
There is growing awareness of the importance of languages in ensuring diversity and inclusion, in strengthening co-operation and attaining quality education for all, in building inclusive societies and preserving cultural heritage, and in mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development.