International Mother Language Day
February 21
Today, the 21st February, is International Mother Language Day, and was founded in 2000. It is observed every February to celebrate language and encourage the learning of multiple languages and the maintenance of mother languages, especially those that are endangered.
This year’s International Mother Language Day highlights the role of young people in shaping the future of multilingual education. Youth voices on multilingual education emphasizes that language is more than a means of communication: it is central to identity, learning, well-being and participation in society. The celebration underscores the importance of education systems that recognise and value every learner’s language to support inclusion and learning outcomes.
Ahead of International Mother Language Day, schools worldwide are invited to join the online UNESCO Campus event on 13 February. Students aged 13–18 can participate, engage via chat, and exchange with international experts and peers from all UNESCO regions. The event offers a space for young people to share experiences and identify concrete actions to promote linguistic diversity in their schools and communities.
#Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.
Source: International Mother Language Day | UNESCO