Kazakhstan participates in celebration of international Mother Language Day at UNESCO headquarters

The Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Kazakhstan to UNESCO took part in events dedicated to the International Mother Language Day at UNESCO Headquarters, annually commemorated worldwide on February 21.

The celebration featured panel sessions attended by numerous speakers and representatives from the academic community, international and non-governmental organizations, and the diplomatic corps. The discussions addressed such topics as the protection and promotion of multilingualism, linguistic diversity, the status of endangered languages, and the achievements and challenges of multilingual education across different countries.

In his address, Askar Abdrakhmanov, Permanent Delegate of Kazakhstan to UNESCO, highlighted his country’s systematic efforts to support the development of the state Kazakh language, particularly in the context of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

At the same time, Kazakhstan ensures the rights of various ethnic communities  living in the country to learn and use, along with Kazakh, their own mother languages by supporting engaged educational institutions, media outlets, theaters, and cultural associations. In this regard, Ambassador Abdrakhmanov emphasized the special role of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025 and has become an important institution in safeguarding interethnic cohesion in the country.

Kazakhstan also contributed to the cultural program marking the International Mother Language Day at UNESCO Headquarters. Kazakh musician Aigerim Yersainova performed on the kobyz, playing a piece by Korkyt Ata (Dede Gorgud), the great sage and musician whose legacy is inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. While the kobyz was being played, a video showcasing Kazakhstan’s stunning natural landscapes and cultural heritage was displayed on the large screen, and the poem “Tört Ana” by Mukhtar Shakhanov was recited in Kazakh, accompanied by a translation into French.

The events at UNESCO once again underscored the importance of preserving and promoting mother languages, as well as cultural diversity, which plays a crucial role in fostering peace and mutual respect among peoples.

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