The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) says that as more languages disappear around the world, linguistic diversity is increasingly at risk. Marking International Mother Language Day, the organization highlighted the urgent need to protect and promote the world’s many languages.
In a statement published on its website on Saturday (Feb. 21), UNESCO noted that more than 40% of the global population still does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. It added that while there has been encouraging progress in multilingual education—especially at the primary level—much more work remains.
UNESCO is calling for greater investment in linguistic diversity and expanding inclusive, mother tongue–based education.
International Mother Language Day has been observed every year on February 21 since 1999, when UNESCO officially designated the date to support and celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide.
