The UN French Language Day and the International Francophonie Day

The UN French Language Day and the International Francophonie Day were celebrated on March 20. On that special day, top officials of the United Nations highlighted the French language’s power in bringing peoples around the world together. They also emphasized the importance of diversity in language in creating greater respect and understanding among different cultures.

Citing the French language as an example, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova said that the diversity of different people and cultures sharing a common language is where French draws its strength. These diversities also regularly contribute to the vibrancy and enrichment of the French language. Speaking in Paris during the celebration of the UN French Day and La Francophone, Ms. Bokova added that the French language, with its power to harness cultures and peoples together is an effective tool to create mutual peace and understanding.

UN official languages

The United Nations uses six official languages – French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian and English. On the other hand, English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. In 2010, UNESCO declared that all six languages should have its own special day.

March 20 is the UN French Language Day and it coincides with the celebration of the International Day of Francophonie. The specific day was chosen in 2010 as it was the celebration of the 40th year of the International Organization of La Francophonie, an organization of the regions and countries where French is the mother tongue, where there is a significant association with the culture of France and where a large section of the population comprises French speakers or “francophones.”

Importance of linguistic diversity

For the UNESCO, language diversity is highly significant as a precondition for the authentic and sincere cooperation on a global level, where individual thoughts could be accurately and directly expressed without adopting words from another person. Language diversity is about respect and equality and about clarity and efficiency.

Development of the French language

The United Nations was awarded the Leopold Sear Senghor Medal, which is the Grand Prize from La Francophonie. It was received by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on March 20. It was awarded in recognition of the UN’s contribution in the French language’s development.

On that same ceremony, Secretary Ban paid tribute to the position of the French language in promoting international cooperation. He also talked about the need for a bigger number of French-speaking UN peacekeepers to conduct all-important dialogues with locals.