The United Nations (UN’s) English Language Day is annually observed on April 23 worldwide to celebrate the English language and its role as a bridge for international communication.
- This observance underscores the UN’s commitment to promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity across its global operations.
Background:
i.Established in 2010 by the UN Department of Public Information (DPI), which designated separate days for each of the UN’s six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, to promote equitable use and appreciation of linguistic diversity.
ii.The first UN English language day was observed on April 23, 2010.
iii.April 23 was chosen for English Language Day to align with the birth and death anniversary of William Shakespeare (1564–1616), the legendary English playwright and poet.
Significance:
i.Celebrates the evolution of English as a global lingua franca and honors Shakespeare’s literary legacy.
ii.English serves as a critical tool in education, business, media, and diplomacy.
iii.Aligns with the UN’s mission to foster tolerance and inclusivity by ensuring equal respect for all six official languages.
About English:
i.Over 1.75 billion people globally speak English, which accounts for about 1 in 4 individuals worldwide.
ii.Among the countries with the highest number of English speakers, India ranks prominently, with approximately 129 million people speaking English.
- This represents nearly 9% of the global English-speaking population, highlighting India’s significant role in the worldwide use of the language.
English at the UN:
i.English and French are the primary working languages of the UN Secretariat. Regional Commissions may adopt other official languages as working languages.
ii.On February 1, 1946, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution 2 (I), establishing Chinese, French, English, Russian, and Spanish as official languages, with English and French as working languages. Arabic was added later in 1973.
iii.Globally, over 60 member states use English as their primary or secondary official language.
Importance of Multilingualism at the UN:
i.The UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) has set minimum standards for multilingual content on UN websites to address disparities between English and other official languages, ensuring equitable treatment across all platforms.
ii.The UNGA, through Resolution A/RES/54/64 adopted on 6 December 1999, appointed a Senior Coordinator for Multilingualism to oversee linguistic parity across UN operations.
2025 Event:
On April 23, 2025, the UN Movie Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council host the Annual “Shakespeare at the UN” event in celebration of English Language Day.
