High-level Celebration of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages

10.00 – 10.15 – Opening traditional ceremony by Indigenous Peoples

The High-level event will open with a traditional ceremony by Indigenous peoples to mark the beginning of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032.

10.15 – 11.15 – High-level opening ceremony

The opening ceremony will bring together the high-level representatives of UNESCO Member States, Indigenous leaders, heads of other public and private organizations to deliver their opening statements.

11.15 – 11.25 – Musical intervention

11.25 – 11.30 – Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages

Screening of a video introducing the Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages with a special focus on vision, summary of outcomes, outputs, and partnerships for joint action.

11.30 – 12.15 – High-level multistakeholder round table no 1.
Linguistic diversity and multilingualism matter for future generations, sustainable development, peace building and reconciliation in our societies

This high-level round table aims to provide an open space for dialogue and reflection among representatives of national governments, Indigenous leaders and youth, intergovernmental organizations, and the members of the Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages (GFT) on the role of languages for societal development. In line with one of the outcomes of the Global Action Plan, the speakers will reflect on the actions to be taken to ensure a wider functional usage, revitalization, and promotion of Indigenous languages, to establish these as a global priority and to ensure long-term commitment of all stakeholders. The round table is aligned to the outcomes 2, 3 and 4, and outputs 5 and 8 of the Global Action Plan of International Decade of Indigenous Languages.

12.15 – 13.00 – Thematic round table discussion no 1.
Indigenous Languages for Social Inclusion: Quality Education, Knowledge Creation and Advocacy

This round table aims to provide a platform for high-ranking leaders to discuss, inspire action and engagement across the world to ensure that Indigenous people can learn, teach and transmit their languages to the present and future generations in a variety of forms. The round table is aligned to the outcomes no 1 and 3, and outputs 1, 5 and 9.

13.00 – 14.30 – Lunch break

14.30 – 15.00 – Share your story:
Indigenous Languages for Social Inclusion: Quality Education, Knowledge Creation and Advocacy

15.00 – 15.45 – Thematic round table discussion no 2.
Access to information and cultural expression in Indigenous Languages using digital solutions

This round table aims to highlight aspects of digital innovation that empower Indigenous Peoples through enabling the use of indigenous languages in cyberspace. It will also make the case for increased efforts to include indigenous languages in cyberspace as a way to work towards digital inclusion. The round table is alined to the outcomes no 1 2 and 4, and outputs no 3, 6 and 9 of the Global Action Plan of International Decade of Indigenous Languages.

15.45 – 16.00 – Share your story: 
Access to information and cultural expression in Indigenous Languages using digital solutions

16.00 – 16.45 – Thematic round table no 3.
Indigenous languages, culture and knowledge for climate action and environmental sustainability

This round table aims to highlight the importance of indigenous languages, cultures and knowledge for the protection of biological diversity and environmental conservation and sustainability. The panel will explore the vital contribution of the cultural and language diversity of Indigenous Peoples to climate change mitigation and adaptation, through their knowledge systems, cultural heritage, interpretation, sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity and the environment, including on marine and coastal areas in the context of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The round table is aligned to the outcomes no 6 and 7 of the Global Action Plan of International Decade of Indigenous Languages.

16:45 – 17:25 – Multistakeholder round table discussion no 2.
Towards multistakeholder partnership and international cooperation for Indigenous Languages

This round table brings together representatives of national, regional and international partners from governments, civil society and foundations. The panelists will share their views on the establishment of favourable environment to ensure a long-lasting sustainability of International Decade of Indigenous Languages. The round table is aligned to the output no 10 of the Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.

17.25 – 17.30 – Closing remarks

17.30 – 18.00 – Cultural programme