Languages play a crucial role in the daily lives of people, not only as a tool for communication, education, social integration and development, but also as a repository for each person’s unique identity, cultural history, traditions and memory.
But despite their immense value, languages around the world continue to disappear at an alarming rate. It is estimated that one indigenous language dies every two weeks. In addition, the people who speak them are often the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in the world.
In 2016, the United Nations adopted a resolution
proclaiming 2019 as the International Year of
Indigenous Languages
(IYIL2019), based on a recommendation by the
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
IYIL2019 aims to draw attention to the critical loss of indigenous languages and the urgent need to preserve, revitalize and promote them at both national and international levels.
No other sector has the outreach capacity, or such a diverse range of methods for reaching decision makers and the general public as the media. This capacity makes the media a natural partner for UNESCO whose activities are at the heart of all major challenges facing the world today.
Partnerships with media can take a variety of forms. They can be short-term and linked to an event or year like IYIL2019, or longer-term, covering the full range of UNESCO’s activities.
There are many benefits:
- Streamlined accreditation for high profile events
- Privileged and customized access to information
- Participation in a global initiative
- Enhanced visibility
- Networking opportunities
For questions related to media events and conferences, accreditation, registration and access to embargoed material contact the media team:
Email: i.kasinskaite@unesco.org
Tel.: +33(0) 1 45 68 16 45
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