International Mother Language Day 2024; February 21st.

FORUM: ”Multilingual education – a pillar of intergenational learning.” International Mother Language Day 2024. Today, 40% of the world’s population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. In some countries this figure rises to over 90%. Yet research shows that the use of learners’ own language(s) in schools provides a solid foundation for learning, boosts self-esteem and critical thinking skills, and opens the door for inter-generational learning, language revitalization, and the preservation of culture and intangible heritage.

Learning in one’s first language facilitates understanding and interaction, and further develops critical thinking. It strengthens self-confidence and self-esteem and stimulates active participation. In addition to boosting learning, multilingual education contributes to opening the doors to inter-generational learning, the preservation of culture and intangible heritage, and the revitalization of languages. It enriches multilingualism on the web and is essential for digital literacy. Multilingual education also helps in acquiring life skills, especially in the context of emergencies, crises and natural disasters. Thus, refugees, internally or internationally displaced people and those excluded or marginalized from quality education, such as Indigenous peoples, are not left behind. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #IntergenerationalLearning, #IMLD2024, #MotherLanguageDay, #mothertongue; #21February, #Multilingualeducation.

EVENT: 

AT UNESCO HQ ; On February 21st; The symposium to mark the 25 th edition of International Mother Language Day and the International Mother Language Day 2024 will take place from 10:00 am to 13:00 pm in Room X at UNESCO House (Fontenoy). the celebration will highlight the importance of implementing multilingual education policies and practices as a pillar to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 which calls for inclusive, quality education and lifelong learning for all as well as to the objectives of the International Decade on Indigenous Languages (2022 – 2032). 

Join the experts in early childhood education, literacy, informal learning and indigenous languages as they discuss how multilingual education policies and practices can be implemented to ensure inclusive, quality learning for all that enhances not only learning outcomes but the transmission of inter-generational knowledge, languages, culture and intangible heritage. This year's event at UNESCO HQ will include two panel discussions on multilingual education. 

The Panel sessions will be webcast. Interpretations will be available in English, French, Spanish. Targeted audiences include Key stakeholders in education, education policy-makers, teachers; Non-governmental organizations, foundations and other bodies supporting multilingualism. Register to participate!

AGENDA PROGRAMME

AT UNHQ -  Observance of the International Mother Language Day (IMLD) 2024.

Language serves as a powerful and unifying tool to connect people irrespective of their socio-economic and cultural differences. It transcends geographical barriers and brings people together to work for the greater cause of humanity. Thus, the power of language is universal.

Opening of the International Mother Language Day 2024 event.

- IMLD Theme Song by Sri Chinmoy Group [Amar Bhaiyer Rokte; Rangano Ekushe February]
- Welcome Remarks by H.E. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Representative of Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York
- Special Remarks by H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis,President of the United Nations General Assembly
- #musicalPerformance by the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Panel Discussion Segment - 16:40-17:30 hrs,
- Remarks by H.E. Mr. Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Permanent Representative of the United Nations Bahrainmission.
- Remarks by H.E. Mr. Cornel Feruță, Representative of the Permanent Mission of Romania to the United Nations
- Remarks by H.E. Mr. Diego Pary Rodríguez, Representativo de la Misión Permanente de Bolivia ante las Naciones Unidas - Oficial
- Remarks by H.E. Ms. Mathu Joyini, Permanent Representative of Permanent Mission of South Africa to United Nations
- Remarks by Mr. Stefan Pretterhofer, Deputy Permanent Representative of Permanent Mission of Austria to the UN - Vienna
- Remarks by H.E. Mr. Movses Abelian, Under-Secretary-General for
United Nations Department for General Assembly & Conference Management and UN Coordinator for Multilingualism
- Remarks by the Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (TBC)
- Remarks by Eliot Minchenberg, Director, UNESCO, New York

- Remarks by the Representative of the Group of Friends of Spanish Language
- Remarks by the representatives of interested member states (based on requests made before the event)
- Remarks by CSO representative (NGO Committee on Language and Languages)
- Message from the NYC Mayor's Office

Multilingual Cultural Performance Segment, 17:30-18:00 hrs
- Performance by Sneh Art
- Poetry recitation by Sri Chinmoy Group
- Folk songs by Bangladeshi singers

Closing of the event.

WEBCAST: