The President of the General Conference calls for global action on International Mother Language Day

He highlighted a stark reality: nearly 40 percent of learners globally are taught in languages they do not fully understand, with that figure rising to 90 percent in some low- and middle-income countries. The consequences, he warned, are long-lasting, particularly in early childhood education where literacy foundations are built.

He called multilingual education - with mother language at its core - a "critical tool" to bridge learning gaps. He stressed that when children learn in their own language, school attendance increases, cultural connection deepens, and parental engagement improves.

The President also linked mother-language education to UNESCO's broader mandate, including sustainable development, scientific literacy, heritage protection, and technological inclusion. He emphasized that global conventions and scientific initiatives cannot succeed unless they resonate with local communities in the languages they understand best.