Information meeting on the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) for UNESCO’s National Commissions

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/74/135, proclaimed the period of 2022-2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, to draw attention to the critical loss of indigenous languages and to take urgent steps at national and international levels. UNESCO was invited to serve at the lead UN agency for the International Decade, in collaboration with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the Secretariat (UNDESA) and other relevant agencies.

The International Decade of Indigenous Languages provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism for sustainable development, peace building and reconciliation processes in our societies. The scope of work envisaged during the International Decade is beyond the capacity of any single nation, country, stakeholder group, scientific discipline, policy framework or even set of actions.

In this context, UNESCO calls upon its partners, particularly its network of National Commissions, to contribute towards the urgent actions needed for the preservation, revitalization and promotion of linguistic diversity and multilingualism.

On 31 January 2022, the UNESCO Secretariat of the International Decade will present the Global Action Plan of the International Decade which establishes the terms of joint action, outlines strategic approach and major steps, provides guidance on implementation, monitoring and governance structures for the Decade and suggests measures to be taken. UNESCO will also share information about upcoming events and initiatives and present the dedicated website and social media channels created for information and knowledge sharing, partnerships and cooperation.  Monitoring tools will also be introduced to trace the progress made towards attainment of major goals. Interpretation services will be provided in English, French, Spanish and Russian.