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Multilingualism is a fundamental part of human society, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of our world. UNESCO’s World Atlas of Languages documents 8,324 languages, spoken or signed, of which around 7,000 languages are still in use today. Only 351 languages are used as medium of instruction. 

One language disappears every two weeks, underscoring the urgent need for language preservation and revitalisation efforts. 

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.  

Multilingual education, based on mother tongue instruction, is essential because it enables learners to be taught in the language they understand and speak best, resulting in better learning outcomes across a range of subjects including math and science.

Research shows that when children learn in their first language, they have better reading and comprehension skills, making it easier to learn additional languages. Multilingual education based on the mother tongue(s) in the early years of schooling also plays a key role in the transition from home to school and fosters respect for diversity.  

Yet, according to the  of UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report, 40% of learners globally do not receive education in their mother tongue, creating significant barriers to literacy and academic success. In some low- and middle-income countries, this figure rises to 90%. More than a quarter of a billion learners are affected.

By some estimates, between half and two-thirds of the world’s population use two or more languages in their daily life. 

Switzerland attributes 10% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to its multilingual heritage, which includes French, German, Italian, and Romansh. In contrast, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has been estimated to lose approximately 3.5% of its GDP annually due to relatively poor language skills among its population, limiting international trade and economic opportunities. 

In Mozambique, bilingual education was expanded to 25% of schools with a new teacher training curriculum. Children learning in schools benefiting from a bilingual education curriculum are performing 15% higher in basic reading and mathematics.

The Pacific is home to nearly 25% of the world’s approximately 6,000 languages. Students are found to perform better when concepts are explained in terms of their personal context and experience.

Countries that promote multilingual education benefit from enhanced innovation, improved employability, and increased participation in the global economy. Furthermore, multilingual education supports sustainable development by preserving Indigenous knowledge systems, which often contain valuable insights into biodiversity and climate resilience.

Despite its recognized benefits, multilingual education faces several challenges. One of the main issues is limited teacher capacity, as many are not trained to teach in multiple languages or may lack proficiency in their students’ mother tongue(s).

Another significant challenge is the lack of resources, with many regions experiencing a shortage of textbooks and learning materials in minority and Indigenous languages. 

Policy gaps also hinder the effective implementation of multilingual education; while many governments acknowledge its importance, few have enacted comprehensive policies to support it effectively. 

Additionally, there can be resistance from communities, with some parents and stakeholders concerned that mother tongue instruction may hinder proficiency in dominant national or international languages, potentially limiting future opportunities. Overcoming this resistance necessitates community engagement, awareness campaigns, and concrete evidence of the long-term benefits multilingual education brings to students and society. 

Tackling these challenges demands stronger policy commitments, investment in teacher training, and active community engagement to demonstrate the long-term advantages of multilingual education.

Technology is transforming multilingual education by offering innovative ways to teach and preserve languages. AI-driven tools, mobile apps, and digital archives facilitate the documentation and dissemination of Indigenous and minority languages. Digital learning resources, such as e-books and online courses, make language education more accessible, especially in remote areas. 

Additionally, speech-to-text applications and translation tools are improving the reach of multilingual education, ensuring that learners can access content in their preferred language. However, it is essential that these technologies are developed inclusively, supporting underrepresented languages, and that digital education aligns with cultural contexts and community needs.

UNESCO underscores the importance of multilingual education as a foundation for equitable and inclusive learning. To strengthen it, governments must prioritize policies that integrate mother tongue languages into the education system, allowing learners to develop literacy in their mother tongue before acquiring additional languages. 

A well-trained teaching workforce is central to this effort. Teachers must be equipped with the skills to deliver instruction in multiple languages effectively, supported by culturally relevant materials that reflect diverse linguistic backgrounds. Additionally, embedding multilingual education into national curricula from early childhood through higher education provides a seamless transition for students. 

Assessment strategies must also align with multilingual education principles to ensure fair evaluation of students’ progress. Community involvement plays a key role: when parents and local stakeholders are actively engaged in shaping education policies, multilingual approaches gain broader acceptance and lead to better outcomes. Furthermore, collecting and analyzing linguistic data helps policy makers make informed decisions and allocate resources efficiently. 

By adopting these approaches, countries can create education systems that enhance learning outcomes and preserve linguistic diversity for future generations. This fosters cultural identity and social cohesion in an increasingly interconnected world, ultimately paving the way to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ been promoting multilingual education as a means to improve learning and learning outcomes and give life to linguistic and culture diversity since 1953 when a meeting of specialists in vernacular languages led to the Organization publishing . This position was strengthened in 1999 when the UNESCO General Conference adopted a resolution crystallising the definition of ‘multilingual education’ as the use of at least three languages: the mother tongue(s), a regional or national language and an international language. This led to the establishment of International Mother Language Day, at the initiative of Bangladesh. 

Each year, on 21 February, UNESCO celebrates International Mother Language Day highlighting different aspects of linguistic diversity and multilingualism. The Day promotes the importance of multilingual education and cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies. 

Its 25th anniversary in 2025 marks a significant milestone, celebrating progress and reinforcing global commitments to language preservation and inclusion. UNESCO continues to lead dialogues, research, and policy discussions aimed at strengthening multilingual education worldwide. The Silver Jubilee serves as a reminder of the critical role language plays in education, cultural identity, sustainable development and peace.

UNESCO produces studies and reports and shares promising practices that help advance the recognition of multilingual education, notably in early years of schooling. It also undertakes advocacy and awareness-raising work through the annual celebration of International Mother Language Day. 

UNESCO pays particular attention to the promotion of multilingual education in support of Indigenous Peoples. UNESCO participates in, and contributes to, the United Nations . UNESCO is the lead agency of the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous languages. 

People’s ability and freedom to use their chosen language is essential for human dignity, peaceful co-existence and the general well-being of a society. In 2019, as a way of recognizing the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and the important role played by their languages in culture, knowledge, communication and education, the UN General Assembly declared 2022-2032 the International Decade of Indigenous languages. UNESCO was tasked to lead global efforts. 

Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately represented among people missing out on education. Their languages are vital for exercising their human rights, preserving their history, customs and traditions and for their freedom of personal expression and thought. The Decade is a global call to action to preserve, revitalize and promote Indigenous languages while mainstreaming linguistic diversity and multilingualism into sustainable development efforts.