UN French Language Day is observed annually on March 20 to celebrate multilingualism, cultural diversity, and promote equal use of all six official UN languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. 2025 theme is: “Improve the use of the French language”, focusing on enhancing global appreciation for richness and diversity of French language.
Background
Official Recognition (2010):
- The UN’s Department of Public Information made French Language Day official in 2010 as part of an effort to celebrate multilingualism and encourage cultural diversity within the UN system.
- Celebrating Francophone Heritage: The day highlights the contributions of the French-speaking world to global history, culture, and civilization, encouraging international appreciation for Francophone literature, cinema, and traditions.
Significance of 20 March:
- The date was chosen because it coincides with the 40th anniversary of International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), which unites countries and regions sharing the French language and humanist values.
- It is also recognized as the International Day of La Francophonie by the OIF, celebrating the anniversary of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT), which began on 20 March 1970.
UN and OIF Cooperation:
- The United Nations regularly cooperates with the OIF and its member states, in alignment with resolutions adopted by the General Assembly on fostering cooperation with the OIF. The OIF, which consists of 88 member countries, promotes French culture, cooperation, education, and linguistic diversity globally.
Key Facts About French Language
French as a Global Language:
- French is spoken by over 300 million people worldwide and is an official language in 29 countries, including France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and many African nations.
- It is also the second most studied language globally after English.
- French, a language spoken on five continents, has a rich cultural legacy and plays a significant role in diplomacy, education, art, literature, and international relations.
UN and French Language:
- French holds a special status at the UN as one of the working languages of the Secretariat and a key language in international diplomacy.