About the IDIL 2022-2032

Rationale of the IDIL2022-2032

An International Decade is an important cooperation mechanism dedicated to raising awareness on a particular topic or theme of global interest or concern, and mobilizing different players for coordinated action around the world.

In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming the period of 2022-2032 the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, based on a recommendation by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The proclamation of the IDIL2022-2032 is a key outcome of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL2019).

In 2016, the Permanent Forum stated that 40 per cent of the estimated 6,700 languages spoken around the world were in danger of disappearing. The fact that most of these are indigenous languages puts the cultures and knowledge systems to which they belong at risk.

In addition to this, Indigenous peoples are often isolated both politically and socially in the countries they live in, by virtue of geographical remoteness or historical, cultural, and linguistic differences. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the marginalization of Indigenous peoples around the world, having a negative impact on the world’s linguistic diversity.

And yet, indigenous peoples are not only leaders in protecting the environment, but their languages represent complex systems of knowledge and communication, and should be recognized as a strategic national resource for sustainable development, peacebuilding and reconciliation.

The use of indigenous languages also works to promote local cultures, customs and values which have endured for thousands of years. Indigenous languages add to the rich tapestry of global cultural diversity. Without them, the world would be a poorer place.

Building on the good practices and lessons learned through the IYIL2019, the IDIL2022-2032 will help promote and protect indigenous languages and improve the lives of those who speak them. It will contribute to achieving the objectives set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

The celebration is also expected to strengthen and reinforce the many standard-setting tools adopted by the international community, including specific provisions to promote and protect languages.

Global Call for Action

Global Action Plan

The Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages provides a strategic framework, outlines major actions, and guides the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities for UN-system entities, national governments, Indigenous peoples’ organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector.

The Global Action Plan calls for a coherent approach and for joint collaborative action on the part of all stakeholders to achieve maximal positive impact and social change with respect to Indigenous languages and those who speak and sign them. It sets the direction for joint action and has been developed to serve as a guiding framework for all stakeholders to prepare regional, national, local and/or institutional plans, adjusted to identified priorities and specificities, for the implementation of the IDIL2022-2032.

The Global Action Plan is structured around four main parts, in addition to technical annexes:

The Introduction provides background information on the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism for societal development, and draws attention to the critical situation of Indigenous languages around the world. It also provides a rationale for undertaking immediate action to preserve, revitalize and promote Indigenous languages.
The second section outlines the Theory of Change that defines the vision and impact statements for the International Decade and provides a methodology for all involved stakeholders to guide their participation, as well as their planning, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring processes during the International Decade. This section also presents activities, outputs and outcomes, and highlights linkages with other global development frameworks.
The third section presents the Implementation Framework, including the multi-stakeholder partnership mechanism, timeframe, key milestones, as well as governance and coordination frameworks for the IDIL 2022-2032. It also introduces other strategic frameworks developed to support the implementation of the Global Action Plan, namely a Resource Mobilization Strategy and a Global Communication Strategy.
The fourth section is focused on Monitoring and Evaluation and provides a set of measures to support the continuous assessment of the progress made.
The technical annexes include lists of used terms, key documents, frameworks, a roadmap towards the Global Action Plan, and a summary table of the theory of change.

National Action Plans

Governance

IDIL2022-2032 Secretariat

In its resolution A/RES/74/135 on the rights of Indigenous peoples, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period of 2022-2032 the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL2022-2032), inviting the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to serve as the lead organization for the International Decade and providing the IDIL2022-2032 Secretariat functions in cooperation with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and other relevant agencies, within existing resources.

The IDIL2022-2032 Secretariat will facilitate the organization of the IDIL2022-2032 through a series of actions, including, but not limited to:

elaboration and contribution to the implementation of the Global Action Plan of the IDIL2022-2032 through evidence based, inclusive, participatory and open consultations with representatives of the interested Member States, Indigenous peoples, United Nations entities, researchers, civil society organizations and other public and private actors;
establishment and maintenance of the international governance mechanism, entitled ‘Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages’, to provide strategic direction and oversight in the planning, implementation and monitoring of progress made towards attainment of the objectives established by the Global Action Plan;
development and contribution to the implementation of a Resource Mobilization Strategy to provide a comprehensive framework and ensure adequate, sustainable, flexible and sufficient resources for the implementation and attainment of the major objectives of the Global Action Plan, and the realization of programmes and projects to preserve, revitalize and promote Indigenous languages;
preparation of and contribution to the implementation of a Global Communication Strategy for the IDIL2022-2032 to raise greater awareness on the importance of Indigenous languages for societal development, connection, and stimulation of dialogue among different stakeholders, and to impact new knowledge and mobilization of resources as well as to communicate results and share information. The dedicated website of the International Decade monitored, updated and administered by the IDIL2022-2032 Secretariat will play a critical role for the implementation of the Global Communication Strategy and the achievement of the other objectives of the Decade.

UNESCO

Promoting cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, social and human sciences, education for all, freedom of expression, access to information, and knowledge for the development of societies are all central to UNESCO’s work.

But achieving this is not possible without a broad and international commitment to maintaining multilingualism and linguistic diversity, including the preservation of endangered languages, as well as providing equal access to information and knowledge.

To comply with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s commitment to ‘Leave no one behind’, it is essential to ensure that Indigenous peoples’ voices and priorities are heard. UNESCO places the needs of Indigenous peoples amongst its priority areas for response. For more information on Indigenous peoples please visit the following webpage.

It is based on UNESCO’s knowledge of these issues and its extensive experience in organizing the 2019 International Year of Languages that it was asked to lead preparations for the IDIL2022-2032. To ensure a multi-disciplinary and transversal approach to the organization of the International Decade, UNESCO has established an internal structure – UNESCO Intersectoral Task Team (ITT4IDIL) which will take into account the perspectives and activities of all programme sectors.

Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages

For the organization of the International Decade, UNESCO established a Global task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages on 22 March 2021. The Global Task Force will ensure that the principles of inclusion, openness, participation and multi-stakeholder engagement would be respected and applied throughout the International Decade.

Mandate of the Global Task Force

As an international governance mechanism, the Global Task Force is established to ensure the equitable participation of all stakeholders in the International Decade, and to provide guidance on the preparation, planning, implementation and monitoring of activities, in line with the objectives of the Global Action Plan of the IDIL2022-2032.

Acting as an international coordination mechanism, the Global Task Force will help to prepare, plan, implement and monitor activities in the framework of the upcoming International Decade of Indigenous Languages, providing a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue.

The structure of the Global Task Force includes:

Steering Committee and Advisors
Ad-hoc groups
Multi-stakeholder consultative meetings

Members of the Global Task Force

Steering Committee (19 members)

The members of the Steering Committee of the Global Task Force were appointed for one-year period, and will serve two years on the advisory group, based on a principle of rotation.

The Steering Committee of the Global Task Force is composed of 19 members, of which two Co-chairs represent UNESCO Member States, and two Co-chairs represent Indigenous Peoples’ organizations. Overall, its members include:

UNESCO Member States (1 per electoral group – 6 members);
Leaders and representatives of Indigenous Peoples and Organizations from the seven socio-cultural regions (7);
Designated members: Representatives from the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (3);
Representatives from UN-system entities, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), and the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR).

List_members_Dec_2021.pdf

Advisors

The Advisors to the Steering Committee comprise a minimum of 30 members, including:

UNESCO Member States (2 per electoral group – 12 members);
Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations from seven sociocultural regions (2 per region – 14 members);
Designated members: Representatives from the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (2), the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2), and, if nominated, other Special Rapporteurs holding mandates relevant to the subject area, and UN system entities which responded to UNESCO’s invitation addressed to the members of the UN Inter-agency Support Group on Indigenous Issues.

Ad hoc groups

Ad hoc groups may be established by UNESCO, in cooperation with the members of the Global Task Force, to focus on various subjects and provide advice on specific aspects of the implementation of the action plan.

Terms of Reference

ENGLISH_TOR_IDIL.pdf

Nomination process

In October 2020, UNESCO issued official letters addressed to the Chairs of UNESCO Electoral Groups of UNESCO Member States to nominate three countries from the region to the Global Task Force. Another Open Call was addressed to all Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations working on the protection, revitalization and promotion of Indigenous languages, inviting them to nominate their regional representatives to the Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages. The UN Indigenous mechanisms (UNPFII, EMRIP and the Special Rapporteur of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) were also invited to nominate their representatives to the Global Task Force. The Global Task Force is established for a three-year period and the rotation principle is applicable for the members of the Steering Committee and the Advisory Group (one year in the Steering Committee and two years in the Advisory Group).

Founding principles

Involvement of indigenous peoples’ representatives
Human rights-based approach
Geographical balance
Gender equality
Disability inclusiveness
Expertise in field of languages
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a major milestone.
But it will not succeed without the support of people everywhere.

Partnerships

Resource Mobilization Strategy

The Resource Mobilization Strategy will provide a comprehensive framework for securing adequate, sustainable and flexible funding to deliver Indigenous language-related programmes and projects in cooperation with a range of partners, including through the establishment of a multi-donor funding mechanism. It is expected that the Resource Mobilization Strategy will contribute to a long-lasting social and attitudinal change towards Indigenous languages, a re-evaluation and revision of funding priorities for relevant schemes and programmes, together with an appropriate prioritization of funds. The Strategy will also provide tools for resource mobilization, strengthening a disciplined approach to partnerships and innovation management.

Benefits of supporting the IDIL

By becoming a partner of IDIL2022-2032, stakeholders, including governments, public organizations, academia, UN-system entities and other intergovernmental organizations, as well as the private sector, Indigenous people, civil society, and the media, will not only contribute to the success of a worthy cause, but also enjoy the benefits of being a part of an initiative that reaches a worldwide audience. Partners can choose to collaborate with UNESCO and other stakeholders and engage with international, national or local Indigenous groups, Indigenous peoples, media and other actors. They can also decide to create events or come up with new activities based on the suggested categories. This could be anything from organizing a cultural, information-sharing or promotional events to sponsoring an official activity, or promoting IDIL2022-2032 through the partners’ communication channels and activities.

Link: User registration

You can contribute to the success of the IDIL2022-2032

Actions taken during IDIL2022-2032 are intended to focus global attention on the critical risks confronting Indigenous languages and help improve both their chances of survival and the lives of those who speak them. Partners can choose to collaborate with UNESCO, the Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Actions for Indigenous Languages, and other stakeholders like governments, and engage with international, national or local Indigenous groups, Indigenous peoples, media and other organizations. They can also decide to create events of their own or come up with new activities based on the suggested categories. This could be anything from organizing a cultural, information-sharing or promotional event, to sponsoring an official activity, or promoting IDIL2022-2032 through the partners’ communication channels and activities

How to partner

Co-organize cultural, information sharing and promotional events in the context of the IDIL2022-2032
Sponsor official events, activities and projects
Provide know-how, human resources, equipment, tools and other facilities in support of the IDIL2022-2032
Promote the IDIL2022-2032 through your communication channels and activities

Donate

We recognize that many partners can provide significant in-kind support and may wish to target sponsorship for specific events or activities. Our tailor-made partnership opportunities are adaptable to the needs and preferences of contributors, as long as the value of the in-kind support, or combined value of financial contributions and in-kind support, substantially adds to the end value accruing to the International Decade.

Benefits of supporting IDIL

Through engaging in the International Decade, partners from the public and private sectors will benefit from worldwide visibility and association with the values of the United Nations in a truly global initiative, offering unique networking opportunities including:

Being involved in a multi-stakeholder partnership global initiative and being a part of the Global Agenda
Contributing to positive social change with your knowledge, expertise and corporate solutions
Gaining privileged and customized access to UNESCO’s knowledge resources, expert analysis and global networks
Supporting society through your organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme
Profiling your best practices, promoting your engagement and commitment, and raising your international profile
Creating strategic business alliances with other partner private and public entities and networking with influencers across all sectors of society
Enhancing your visibility on the international scene and providing opportunities for expanded markets and greater economic return

Register your expression of interest

Apply for Partnership

Key documents of the IDIL2022-2032

Global Action Plan for the IDIL2022-2032

The Global Action Plan aims to ensure international cooperation and joint and coordinated action of all stakeholders at all levels. The Global Action Plan provides relevant stakeholders with a strategic framework, outlining major actions and guidelines for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities for UN-system entities, national governments, indigenous peoples’ organizations, civil society, academia, the private sector and other to achieve the key objectives of the IDIL2022-2032. The Global Action Plan lays out the principles and guiding actions in the framework of the Decade and beyond, as well as outputs, outcomes and expected impact of the activities to be undertaken.

The Global Action Plan builds on the outcomes of the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages, presented in the Strategic Outcome Document (UNESCO General Conference 40/68); the Los Pinos Declaration [Chapoltepek] – Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages, Outcome document of the High-level closing event of the IYIL2019 on 27-28 February 2020, Mexico City, Mexico; the Evaluation of UNESCO’s Action to revitalize and promote indigenous languages within the framework of the International Year of Indigenous Languages (Ref.: UNESCO, 2021 IOS/EVS/PI/194), and the consultations carried out in cooperation with indigenous peoples, Member States, academia, civil society, other public and private partners, and UN system entities.

Following the consultations, a finalized version of the Global Action Plan was submitted to the 41st session of the UNESCO General Conference.

The Global Action Plan is available: Here

IYIL2019 Documents

Other

Rights of indigenous peoples, Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 18 December 2019 A/RES/74/135 [on the report of the Third Committee (A/74/396)], Seventy-fourth session, Agenda item 67 (a) (UNGA)