International speakers at a programme in London have stressed that safeguarding linguistic diversity is essential for inclusive development, intercultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence in an increasingly interconnected world.
Members of the UK Parliament, High Commissioners and Ambassadors from several countries underscored the urgent need to protect and promote linguistic diversity worldwide, describing multilingualism as the cornerstone of cultural identity and global understanding.
They made these remarks at a programme organised by the Bangladesh High Commission in London to mark International Mother Language Day 2026.
The event was held in a committee room of the House of Commons on February 25.
The programme brought together British MPs and Lords including Rupa Huq, Rushanara Ali, Shockat Adam, Mohammad Yasin and Imran Hussain, as well as Lord Rami Ranger, alongside diplomats and senior officials.
Among the diplomatic representatives present were, Ambassador of Costa Rica Rafael Ortiz Fábrega, Ambassador of Indonesia Desra Percaya, Ambassador of North Macedonia to the UK Katerina Stavreska and High Commissioner of Ghana Sabah Zita Benson. Senior officials from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK National Commission for UNESCO also attended, said the Bangladesh High Commission in London.
The event opened with a saxophone rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, performed by Ambassador Desra Percaya and his colleague Marlon Gabriel. The session was moderated by Baroness Manzila Uddin.
In her address, Bangladesh High Commissioner in London Abida Islam reflected on Bangladesh’s pioneering role in securing global acknowledgment for International Mother Language Day. She noted that the country’s Language Movement was instrumental in shaping the international agenda for cultural and linguistic preservation.
Aligning her remarks with UNESCO’s theme, “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” the High Commissioner underscored the status of multilingualism in Bangladesh and emphasised the pivotal role of young people in preserving, promoting, and revitalising the nation’s linguistic heritage.
Delivering the keynote speech, Professor Zhu Hua, Director of the UCL International Centre for Intercultural Studies, emphasised the right of every learner to be educated in a language they understand.
“Mother language learning is a space for intercultural and multilingual imagination for our shared future. Multilingualism is not just about ‘being me’ — it is about imagining ‘us’,” she said.
Ambassador Rafael Ortiz Fábrega described the mother tongue as a reflection of identity rather than merely an academic concept. He said Costa Rica is a multilingual nation that has made the preservation and protection of diversity — particularly indigenous languages — a national priority.
“Multilingual education strengthens cultural identity, improves learning outcomes and promotes social cohesion,” he said.
Ambassador Desra Percaya highlighted Indonesia’s linguistic richness, noting that more than 700 ethnic and local languages are spoken across the country. “Unity in diversity — diversity is an asset. Unity does not mean uniformity,” he said.
Ambassador Katerina Stavreska observed that North Macedonia’s modern state is built on tolerance and shared citizenship. “For centuries, multiple languages have coexisted in our country,” she said, noting that alongside Macedonian, communities speak Albanian, Turkish, Serbian, Bosnian, Vlach and Romani.
“Mother-tongue-based multilingual education is not a luxury. It is a necessity for inclusion, equality of opportunity and sustainable development.”
High Commissioner Sabah Zita Benson pointed out that around 80 indigenous languages are spoken in Ghana and praised Bangladesh’s initiative that led UNESCO to recognise 21 February as International Mother Language Day. “Multilingualism and multiculturalism are not contradictory to unity. They are a source of strength. Let us ensure that no language and no community is left behind,” she said.
Lord Rami Ranger recalled that the Language Movement was at the heart of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence. He added that diversity in the United Kingdom is respected and protected by law. “There are countries that systematically discriminate against people. They cannot move forward,” he said.
The British MPs present at the event, along with representatives from the FCDO and UNESCO, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that safeguarding linguistic and cultural diversity is essential for strengthening national identity and fostering inclusive, harmonious communities.