The conference will be co-hosted by Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO and Konrad Osterwalder, Rector of the UNU and will bring together eminent experts from politics, academia, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and civil society to discuss the ways and means to protect languages, promote multilingualism and preserve linguistic diversity in light of the challenges and opportunities associated with the processes of globalization. Attention will be given to the essential role that languages play in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Education for All (EFA) goals and in building truly inclusive knowledge societies.