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Languages are essential as they represent the rich tapestry of human culture, history, and identity. They serve as vital instruments for communication, facilitating the exchange of ideas, emotions, and knowledge, and fostering mutual understanding among diverse populations. UNESCO underscores valuing and safeguarding languages as they are fundamental to the promotion of peaceful societies and shared progress across global communities. 

Indigenous women are indispensable to the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous Languages. Their role as cultural custodians, educators, advocates, innovators and community builders, ensures that these languages continue to thrive. 

The International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032) calls on the need to create favorable conditions for gender equality and women’s empowerment through preserving, revitalizing, and promoting Indigenous languages. 

The event is organized by UNESCO, in partnership with the Permanent Delegation of Colombia to UNESCO, aiming to not only showcase the vital role of Indigenous women and youth in preserving Indigenous languages but also to inspire actionable commitments and collaborative efforts that will empower Indigenous communities globally.  The event will feature two panel discussions with representatives of prominent Indigenous women to explore the vast intersections between revitalizing Indigenous languages and empowering Indigenous women.

Opening ceremony

2:00 pm - 2:05 pm    
Welcome remarks by Dr Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO

2:05 pm - 2:10 pm    
Introductory remarks by H.E. Ms Laura Andrea Guillem Gloria, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Colombia to UNESCO

Panel discussion I - Ensuring Indigenous Women’s Empowerment through Language Preservation Efforts
Moderator: Jaco Du Toit, Chief of Section for Universal Access to Information and Digital Inclusion, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO

2:20 pm - 2:30 pm     
The International Decade of Indigenous Languages: Perspectives from the Global Task Force
Dr Altaci Corrêa Rubim, Member of the Associação dos Índios Kokamas Residente no Município de Manaus (AKIM) (Brazil) and Co-chair of the Global Task Force (Video message)

2:30 pm - 2:45 pm    
Linguistic Diversity and Gender Equity: Colombia's Feminist Foreign Policy  
H.E. Ms. Leonor Zalabata Torres, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Colombia to the UN

2:45 pm - 3:00 pm    
Gender Equality at UNESCO
Ms Maria Begona Lasagabaster, Director, Gender Equality Division, UNESCO

3:00 pm - 3:15 pm    
Q&A

Panel discussion II - Bridging Gender Equality, Migration, Land and Indigenous Language Preservation
Moderator: Ms Marem Tahar, representative of the Toubou Indigenous People of northern Chad, Climate activist and advocate for women's rights in Africa

3:15 pm - 3:25 pm    
Indigenous Women as Guardians of Human Rights
Ms Adriana Quinones, Head of Human Rights and Development and Deputy Head of UN Women Geneva Office

3:25 pm - 3:40 pm    
Migratory challenges for the preservation of Indigenous languages
H.E. Ms. Elizabeth García Carrillo, Ambassador of Colombia in the Plurinational State of Bolivia

3:40pm - 3:55pm    
Language as a Tool: Indigenous Women Leading the Protection of Ancestral Territories 
Dr Lena Yanina Estrada Añokazi, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Colombia

3:55 pm - 4:10 pm    
UNITAR
Dr. Kanyinke Sena, Director of The Indigenous Peoples of Africa Co-ordinating Committee (IPACC) and lecturer at the UNITAR Training Programme to Enhance the Conflict Prevention and Peacemaking Capacities of Indigenous Peoples’ Representatives. (Remote participation) 

4:10 pm - 4:30 pm    
Q&A

Closing ceremony

4:25 pm - 4:40 pm    
Generation Change: Insights from a Young Activist
Ms Aiyana Twigg, Youth Advocate, Linguist, Researcher, Member of the Youth Advisory group for the Canadian Commission for UNESCO

4:40 pm - 4:50 pm    
Video/ Cultural performance
Musical Group Koede- Embera Katio (pre-recorded video message)

4:50 pm - 5:00 pm    
Closing remarks     
H.E. Mr Oscar Renán Vega Camacho, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Bolivia to UNESCO

• Download the poster
• International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032)