The United Nations, led by UNESCO, marked International Mother Language Day on February 21, 2026, with events held across multiple UN offices worldwide. The occasion was also formally observed by New York, highlighting linguistic diversity at both global and local levels.
The 2026 theme, “Youth voices on multilingual education,” focused on the vital role young people play in preserving and revitalizing languages, particularly through technology and digital platforms. The theme underscored language as central to identity, learning, well-being and full participation in society.
This year’s celebrations emphasized dialogue between youth, educators and policymakers, highlighting how multilingual education promotes inclusion and advances the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals — especially equitable access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
UN officials reiterated that young people are key to keeping languages alive, particularly through digital content creation in diverse mother tongues. UNESCO continues to support multilingualism in cyberspace through global policy initiatives, partnerships and advocacy for mother-language-based education.
At the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Division of Conference Management hosted programs showcasing the linguistic and cultural diversity of its staff and partners. The Geneva office also launched a new Multilingualism Champions initiative, encouraging heads of UN agencies in the city to commit to at least one annual action promoting multilingualism within their organizations.
At UNESCO headquarters in Paris, a virtual Campus event titled “Many languages, one future: Youth voices on multilingual education” was held on February 13. The program, aimed at students aged 13 to 18, featured discussions with international experts and peers from around the world on safeguarding linguistic diversity and promoting multilingual education in schools and communities.
On February 20, UNESCO Paris hosted a high-level panel discussion for member states, organized by the Permanent Delegation of Bangladesh. Speakers included Khondker M. Talha, President of the General Conference and Bangladesh’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; Nasser Hamad Hinzab, President of the Executive Board and Qatar’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate; and UNESCO Director-General Prof. Khaled El-Enany.
The program featured a keynote address by Prof. Damián Blasi on the future of mother languages in the age of artificial intelligence. A ministerial panel moderated by UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini examined how language contributes to peacebuilding and sustainable development, followed by cultural performances celebrating linguistic heritage.
In New York State, officials observed the day by recognizing the state’s cultural and linguistic diversity and commemorating the 1952 Language Movement in Bangladesh. Bangla is among more than 800 mother languages spoken across the state.
New York also reaffirmed residents’ right to access state programs, benefits and services regardless of the language they speak, offering free interpretation and translation services in multiple languages to ensure inclusive access for all.
