International Mother Language Day 2026: Youth Voices on Multilingual Education

International Mother Language Day 2026 will be observed on 21 February to promote linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide. Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 and later adopted by the UN General Assembly, the day highlights the importance of multilingual education and preservation of endangered languages. The 2026 theme, “Youth voices on multilingual education,” focuses on empowering young people to protect linguistic diversity. With nearly 40% of learners lacking education in their mother tongue, International Mother Language Day 2026 stresses inclusive education and cultural identity.

International Mother Language Day 2026: Theme and Focus

• The theme for International Mother Language Day 2026 is “Youth voices on multilingual education.”
• In recent years, migration, digital growth and globalization have reshaped the linguistic landscape.
• Young people are actively revitalizing endangered languages through digital platforms, cultural content, and advocacy.
• UNESCO multilingual education initiatives emphasise that learning in one’s mother tongue improves cognitive development, participation, and well-being.
• International Mother Language Day 2026 underlines that multilingualism is not just social reality but a fundamental human trait.

Why Multilingual Education Is Important

• International Mother Language Day 2026 highlights a major concern: nearly 40% of students globally do not receive education in a language they understand.
• Indigenous, migrant, and minority communities are most affected.
• Education in the mother tongue promotes inclusion, equity and better learning outcomes.
• Multilingual education also preserves traditional knowledge and strengthens identity.
• UNESCO multilingual education policies aim to embed mother-tongue instruction into national education systems to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).

Threat to Linguistic Diversity

• According to UNESCO, there are 8,324 languages spoken or signed worldwide, with around 7,000 still in use.
• However, one language disappears approximately every two weeks.
• When languages vanish, cultural memory, traditions and unique knowledge systems are lost.
• Only a few hundred languages are used in education and fewer than 100 exist in the digital world.
• International Mother Language Day 2026 calls for urgent action to safeguard endangered languages and promote language vitality.

History of International Mother Language Day

• International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in November 1999.
• The idea originated from Bangladesh to honour the Bengali Language Movement of 1952.
• The UN General Assembly adopted the observance in 2002. In 2007, through Resolution A/RES/61/266, the General Assembly urged Member States to protect and preserve all languages.
• The year 2008 was declared the International Year of Languages.
• Today, International Mother Language Day 2026 continues this global mission.

Link with Sustainable Development Goals

• International Mother Language Day 2026 supports several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Multilingual education promotes inclusive societies and equitable access to lifelong learning.
• It also aligns with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), which focuses on protecting and revitalising indigenous languages worldwide.

International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032)

• The International Decade of Indigenous Languages aims to protect linguistic rights and ensure indigenous peoples can preserve and promote their languages.
• This initiative encourages collaboration in policy-making and global dialogue.
• International Mother Language Day 2026 reinforces this decade-long effort to safeguard linguistic heritage.

Key Points

• Date: 21 February
• Proclaimed by: UNESCO (1999)
• Adopted by UNGA: 2002 resolution
• Origin of idea: Bangladesh
• 2026 Theme: Youth Voices on Multilingual Education
• Related initiative: International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032)
• Relevant SDG: SDG 4 – Quality Education

Question

Q. International Mother Language Day was first proclaimed by which organisation?

A) UNICEF
B) World Bank
C) UNESCO
D) WHO