International Mother Language Day
The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. It was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference and has been observed throughout the world since 2000.
UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies. It is within its mandate for peace that it works to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster tolerance and respect for others.
Linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened as more and more languages disappear. Globally 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. Nevertheless, progress is being made in mother tongue-based multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development in public life.
Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
"The theme of the Day this year, "Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society", thus encourages us to support multilingualism and the use of mother tongues, both at school and in everyday life. This is essential, because when 40% of the world's inhabitants do not have access to education in the language they speak or understand best, it hinders their learning, as well as their access to heritage and cultural expressions. This year, special attention is being paid to multilingual education from early childhood, so that for children, their mother tongue is always an asset."
— Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of International Mother Language Day
2021 CELEBRATIONS
The theme of the 2021 International Mother Language Day, “Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society,” recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind. UNESCO believes education, based on the first language or mother tongue, must begin from the early years as early childhood care and education is the foundation of learning.
Events around the world
- Celebration of International Mother Language Day
organized by the Embassy of Bangladesh in France and the Permanent Delegation of Bangladesh to UNESCO
Sunday 21 February, 3 pm (GMT+1)
Follow the event live
- The crucial role of teachers in promoting multilingual based mother tongue education in Africa
organized by UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA)
Wednesday 24 February, 3.30 pm (GMT+3)
More information
RESOURCES
- Resolution adopted by the General Assembly
- Report of Commission - UNESCO General Conference
- UN website about this day
- Previous commemorations : 2020 - 2019 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014
- All international days and weeks
News All news
- UNESCO launches the World Atlas of Languages to celebrate and protect linguistic diversity
- Tell us about your language: Play a part in building UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages
- UNESCO launches the Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages
- Cambodia Shares Experience of Promoting Multilingual Education on International Mother Language Day