International Mother Language Day today

Kathmandu, Feb 21: International Mother Language Day is being observed today across the world to promote unity in diversity and international understanding, through multilingualism and multiculturalism.

 As determined by the UNESCO, the theme for International Mother Language Day 2026 is "Youth voices on multilingual education." 

February 21 each year is observed as the International Mother Language Day as proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999.

 The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. The UN General Assembly welcomed the proclamation of the day in its resolution of 2002.

Today there is growing awareness that languages play a vital role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in strengthening co-operation and attaining quality education for all, in building inclusive knowledge societies and preserving cultural heritage, and in mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development, the UNESCO cites. 

Meanwhile, the Language Commission on Friday, on the eve of the International Mother Language Day held a programme in the presence of Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Anil Kumar Sinha. Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula (Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation) and Bangladesh's Ambassador to Nepal, Shafiqur Rahman, were also present on the occasion. (RSS)