IN COMMEMORATION, THE SAINT LUCIA NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO WILL INITIATE A CAMPAIGN TO ERECT CREOLE SIGNS IN PUBLIC SPACES.

Saint Lucia joins the rest of the world in observance of International Mother Language Day under the theme “Languages Matter: Kwéyòl Matters”.

Globally 40 percent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. Nevertheless, progress is being made in multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development in public life.

Mother tongue education supports learning, literacy and the acquisition of additional languages. UNESCO believes in the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for sustainable societies. It is within its mandate for peace that it works to preserve the differences in cultures and languages that foster tolerance and respect for others. Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way. Linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened as more and more languages disappear.

The year marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day. This milestone highlights a quarter-century of dedicated efforts to preserve linguistic diversity and promote the use of mother tongues. It serves as a significant opportunity to reflect on achievements, renew commitments, and emphasize the critical role of language preservation in safeguarding cultural heritage, improving education outcomes and creating more peaceful, sustainable societies.

The "Languages matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day" observance underscores the urgency of accelerating progress on linguistic diversity to build a more inclusive and sustainable world by 2030. It also supports the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, emphasizing the role of languages in achieving global development goals. 

The silver jubilee provides member states with the opportunity to review progress, showcase successful multilingual education practices, and advocate for inclusive language policies that respect all communities.

In that regard, the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the Department of Local Government, is launching an initiative to promote the Creole language through a Creole Signage in Public Spaces campaign. The initiative will seek to encourage increased visibility of the Creole language in public spaces, and within institutions and business places. It will also support our advocacy efforts for greater prominence to be given to the Creole language within the public sphere and for a review of the status of the Creole language in Saint Lucia.

The Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO wishes all Saint Lucians a happy Mother Language Day and a Happy Independence.