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UNESCO and IGNCA celebrate 25 years of International Mother Language Day championing linguistic diversity for driving Literacy
Today, 40% of people globally lack access to education in a language they speak and understand fluently—a figure that rises to 90% in some low- and middle-income countries, affecting more than a quarter of a billion learners. Multilingual education is essential, as it enables learners to be taught in a language they understand best, leading to improved learning outcomes across disciplines, including math and science.
The celebration served as a platform to reinforce the importance of linguistic inclusion and sustainability. The inaugural session featured the launch of Indian Calligraphy: Unveiling Ancient Wisdom through Rajeev Kumar’s Art, a significant contribution to documenting India’s written heritage. Additionally, the exhibition BHASHARRITI, curated by Ms. Aashna and Ms. Ritu Mathur, was inaugurated, showcasing the diversity of India’s linguistic and script traditions.
Speaking at the event, Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia underscored the significance of linguistic diversity, noting that while over 7,000 languages worldwide are still in use today, many are at risk of disappearing, with indigenous languages being the most vulnerable. He referred to the United Nations’ Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) as a crucial initiative for revitalizing linguistic heritage. for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage recognizes this explicitly. Of the five broad domains where intangible heritage is manifested, the first is 'Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage'.
Language is not just a tool for communication; it is a passport to understanding humanity itself. India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a great example of how linguistic diversity can be embraced for educational success. By prioritizing regional language instruction during foundational years, India is not only fostering better learning outcomes but also strengthening cultural roots and national unity.
Ms. Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, reaffirmed government's commitment to supporting language preservation initiatives across India.
India is a nation with one of the highest numbers of languages and dialects. With over 1,700 languages once spoken across the country, this linguistic wealth has long been a matter of pride. However, the other side of the coin is the rapid decline of languages, with many disappearing at an alarming rate—an issue that warrants serious concern. Collective efforts are being made to preserve and promote languages, and the National Education Policy rightly places significant emphasis on education in one’s mother tongue.
The two-day event featured panel discussions on the intersections of language, culture, and sustainable development. Experts highlighted the importance of policy frameworks, community-driven initiatives, and technological interventions to preserve endangered languages. Discussions also delved into the impact of globalization on linguistic diversity, the role of digital tools in language revitalization, and the necessity of multilingual education. The experts emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts between academia, policymakers, and cultural institutions to ensure linguistic preservation remains a global priority.
UNESCO continues to lead global efforts to safeguard linguistic heritage through initiatives such as the Decade of Indigenous Languages and its advocacy for multilingual education. On the occasion of International Mother Language Day 2025, a new UNESCO report highlights the importance of integrating multilingualism in education systems so that children learn in a language they understand. It provides guidance to Ministries of Education and key educational stakeholders on how to implement multilingual education policies and practices, with the goal of creating educational systems that benefit all learners.
