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Forests Matter

Building on the legacy of the , UNESCO and the Government of Mexico, and other partners, are organizing a High-level event “” on the margins of the International Congress on Endangered Languages at Risk from 25 to 26 February 2020 in Mexico City. The main objective of the Congress is to establish a constructive dialogue to address the problem of threatened languages, based on experiences in favour of linguistic diversity and linguistic rights.

Thirty years after the adoption of the only international Convention on the rights of indigenous peoples, a new report finds they are sti

2019 marked the with 900 events hosted by 77 countries. The message is clear: we must leave no one behind. Our unique experiences create our unique stories. These new steps are crucial for peacebuilding and sustainable development. Our commitment to them will be vital in protecting our cultural and natural heritage worldwide. We invite you to discover the  dedicated to indigenous languages and other stakes of the communities that speak them.

For as long as he could remember, Benito González, from the indigenous Wixáritari community in western Mexico, had struggled to make ends meet and lived on the margins of society - as many indigenous peoples anywhere do. Since jobs were hard to find, and since his community lacked access to basic services and amenities (including health, education, drinking water, and decent housing), Benito, like many others, was forced to rely on social programmes and seek temporary work far from home. But life began to change when, with the help of , it became possible for them to .

Mexican actress Yalitza Aparicio has been named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Indigenous Peoples. Her performance in Alfonso Cuarón’s film Roma, for which she had to learn the Mixtec language of her father’s family, won her an Oscar nomination for best actress, the first indigenous Mexican woman to be so recognized by the US Academy Awards. Ms. Aparicio will contribute to UNESCO’s work to ensure the integration of indigenous peoples everywhere and the realization of their rights.

Despite their immense value, languages continue to disappear at an alarming rate. Join us in in celebrating .

This year’s observance is dedicated to Indigenous Peoples’ Languages as 2019 is marked as the The large majority of the languages in danger are spoken by indigenous peoples. It is estimated that, every 2 weeks, an indigenous language disappears, placing at risk the respective indigenous cultures and knowledge systems. That is why, on this International Day, the goal is to draw attention to the critical loss of indigenous languages and the urgent need to preserve, revitalize and promote them at both national and international levels.