Peace through Languages
Conference Room 7, UN Headquarters
Tuesday March 18th, From 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
The United Nations University and the International Organization of la Francophonie (Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York) are co-organizing a forum on the contribution of multilingualism to peace and international security, in partnership with the Office of the Chinese Language Council International and the Chinese Consulate General in New York.
This forum originates from the idea that the fight for languages goes beyond the simple dimension of languages and that geo-linguistic realities are today on the same level as geopolitical, geo-economic, and geo-cultural realities. We define multilingualism as a vector for dialogue, understanding, and comprehension, which allows nations to communicate and accept each other, and to coexist as different from each other while making from their differences a vital force.
On a cultural level, multilingualism promotes the diversity of cultures as defined in the convention on cultural diversity of the United Nations for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO). In fact, multilingualism is a "peaceful antidote to the clash of civilizations".
From an economic point of view, the adoption of only one language whatever it may be, is not only illusory, but worse, suicidal. Indeed, by systematically using only one language, businesses that are key players in globalization lose control of new concepts and are thus deprived of original prospects for innovation. Consequently, they are reduced to stereotypes of their competitors. In this way, multilingualism is a vector for sustainable development, a part of “globalization with human face”.
On a political level, multilingualism allows all nations, large and small, rich and poor to cooperate with each other. As a way to reinforce international harmony and understanding, multilingualism constitutes a path to dialogue, peace and international security.
Taking into consideration this issue, the United Nations adopted several resolutions which reaffirm the need for practicing multilingualism as a means of supporting, defending and preserving the diversity of languages and of world cultures. As a vector allowing people to dialogue in their own languages, multilingualism supports unity in diversity and international plurality. more...
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