Speakers at a discussion recognized the potential role that multilingual education can play in transforming education for all.
Speaking in their respective mother languages, they highlighted the critical importance of including native languages in the education system worldwide.
The discussion was held on February 21, marking International Mother Language Day, at the UN headquarters for the 7th consecutive year.
The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh, Denmark, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Morocco and Timor-Leste jointly organized the event in partnership with the UN Secretariat and UNESCO.
The President of the 77th Session of the General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi attended the event as the chief guest.
Like last year, the day was observed with interpretation services in all six official languages of the United Nations – enabling the distinguished speakers to deliver their remarks in their mother languages. The theme song of the International Mother Language Day (“Amar bhai-er rokte rangano”) was presented by the Sri Chinmoy Group.
Read more: International Mother Language Day: Tribute from UN in Bangladesh in many languages
The event featured musical performances from United Nations Chamber Music Society, Sneh Art of India and flute performance by Shilpakala Academy USA Inc. The event was telecast live on the U Web TV.
Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, paid homage to the language martyrs for upholding the dignity of Bangla in 1952, and to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for his organizing role in the Language Movement and leading subsequent national movements culminating to Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
He recalled with gratitude the role of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in securing UNESCO’s recognition of February 21 as the International Mother Language Day and also in establishing the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka.
Ambassador Muhith thanked UNESCO for choosing this year’s theme: “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education”.
Multilingual education inclusive of mother-tongue based learning can play an instrumental role in transforming the education system by underlining the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity, relevance of learning to learners’ lives and mutual understanding, he added.
The Permanent Representative of Cuba in his capacity of the Chair of the Group of Friends on Spanish language and Chair of the NGO Committee on Languages also spoke at the event.
The President of the General Assembly and all the other speakers thanked Bangladesh for its leadership in promoting multilingualism and mother languages at the UN.
Earlier in the morning the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh observed the Martyrs Day and the International Mother Language Day with due solemnity at the mission’s premises.
The Permanent Representative and the mission officials laid wreaths at the Shaheed Minar established in the mission. During the event, the messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were delivered.