The International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL2019) will be commemorated by UNESCO and partners throughout 2019.

UNESCO has launched the website for the International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL2019). It will contribute to raising the awareness about this International Year and about the urgent need to preserve, revitalize and promote indigenous languages around the world.

There are some 6.000-7.000 languages in the world today. About 97% of the world’s population speaks only 4 % of these languages, while only 3 % of the world speak 96% of all remaining languages. A great majority of those languages, spoken mainly by indigenous peoples, will continue to disappear at an alarming rate. Without appropriate measure to address this issue, the further loss of languages and their associated history, traditions and memory would considerably reduce the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity worldwide.

On its official website, relevant stakeholders and interested parties can find information about the plans for celebrating the IY2019, the actions and measures to be taken by United Nations Agencies, Governments, indigenous peoples’ organizations, civil society, academia, public and private sector, and other interested entities. Furthermore, this website will include a calendar of events, partners’ space for collaboration, access to resources in video, audio, image and text formats, and information about different partnership modalities and sponsorship benefits. Users will learn as well about events in their respective regions, discover how to participate, contribute and benefit from the rich variety of activities.

Please register and become a part of this global initiative. Official website: https://en.iyil2019.org/