Languages in education
UNESCO believes everyone has the right to learn in their own language and that it is an important means to improving learning, learning outcomes and socio-emotional development. However, globally more than a quarter of a billion learners lack education in the language that they understand best. Cultural and linguistic diversity also play a key role in sustainable societies and help build peace, tolerance and respect for difference.
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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