The Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Korea co-hosted the “Forum in Commemoration of 2018 UNESCO International Mother Language Day and Bangladesh Language Martyrs’ Day” at UNESCO Hall, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on February 21, 2018.

The forum aimed to raise public awareness of the importance of linguistic diversity and the promotion of multilingualism for sustainable development, in line with the theme of International Mother Language Day (IMLD) 2018. More than 80 people took part in the forum, with representatives from about 20 embassies to the Republic of Korea, as well as students, experts and members of the KNCU’s various committees. The forum began with the reading of a message from Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, in celebration of IMLD.  Welcoming remarks were then offered by the Secretary-General of the KNCU, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Republic of Korea, and the Director of the Southwest Asia and Pacific Division from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Following this, Prof. Keshab K. Adhikary, from Inha University delivered the keynote speech of the forum, on the topic of “The significance of International Mother Language Day and Language Martyrs’ Day.” The keynote speech was followed by a panel discussion, during which Dr. Namwook Kang, from Gyeongin National University mentioned that the issue of preserving language diversity is closely related to the right to education and public services, and spoke briefly about the concept of “linguistic human rights.”

The forum ended with traditional performances given by groups from Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nepal, and Korea, showcasing cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue.

Highlights from the forum can be seen in the following video report by a Korean TV channel, which has been posted on the KNCU’s Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/unescokr/videos/1600680943302079)