Bahrain Marks International Mother Language Day

On 24 February, the United Nations in Bahrain joined the Embassy of Bangladesh in Manama in celebrating International Mother Language Day at an event held at the Arab Open University, attended by Bahraini officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of civil society organisations, academics, and education personnel.

Speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, Khaled El Mekwad, emphasised the importance of languages in shaping identities, nurturing cultures, and building inclusive and cohesive societies.

"International Mother Language Day is a reminder that linguistic rights are human rights, and that we must strive to protect and promote the languages of all peoples, especially those endangered or marginalised," El Mekwad said.

 

"This year's theme, 'Youth voices on multilingual education,' highlights the central role of language in learning, knowledge transmission, and full participation in society. The theme also places young people at the forefront of efforts to sustain linguistic diversity through education, innovation, and community engagement," he said, drawing attention to global challenges related to language and education.

 

According to UNESCO, more than 7,000 languages are spoken or signed worldwide. Yet only 351 languages are used in education systems, and fewer than 100 are used in the digital world. In addition, approximately 40 per cent of learners globally lack access to education in a language they speak or understand, a figure that rises to more than 90 per cent in some regions.

The Resident Coordinator reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to supporting the right to quality education in languages learners understand. He noted that promoting mother tongues supports academic success, social inclusion, and a stronger sense of cultural identity.

Over 70 artworks submitted by schoolchildren from across the Kingdom of Bahrain were exhibited at the event, and the authors of the best artworks were honoured, underscoring the day's importance through the children's creativity. 

The programme also featured a special poetry segment comprising the recitation of poems by several ambassadors accredited to the Kingdom of Bahrain in their mother tongue.

The global observance of International Mother Language Day is an initiative first proposed by the People's Republic of Bangladesh and formally endorsed by the UNESCO General Conference in 1999. Since its first global observance in 2000, the day has brought people together around a shared commitment to preserving linguistic diversity and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.