International Mother Language Day
The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the . It was approved at the and has been observed throughout the world since 2000.
UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies. It is within its mandate for peace that it works to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster tolerance and respect for others.
Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.
Linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened as more and more languages disappear.
Globally 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. Nevertheless, progress is being made in multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development in public life.
"UNESCO is calling on the international community as a whole to promote multilingualism, making the richness and diversity of linguistic heritage an instrument of lasting peace."
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2025 celebrations
The year 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day. This milestone highlights a quarter-century of dedicated efforts to preserve linguistic diversity and promote the use of mother tongues. It serves as a significant opportunity to reflect on achievements, renew commitments, and emphasize the critical role of language preservation in safeguarding cultural heritage, improving education outcomes and creating more peaceful, sustainable societies.
The global event organized at UNESCO Headquarters on 20-21 February, "Languages matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day", will underscore the urgency of accelerating progress on linguistic diversity to build a more inclusive and sustainable world by 2030.
Languages matter: Global guidance on multilingual education
Today, 40 % of people globally lack access to education in the language they speak and understand fluently. In some low- and middle-income countries, this figure rises to 90%. More than a quarter of a billion learners are affected.
As migration increases, linguistic diversity is becoming a global reality, and classrooms with learners from diverse language backgrounds are more common. This video captures the main points of UNESCO’s Languages matter: Global guidance on multilingual education, launched on International Mother Language Day 2025.
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