Event
Webinar “Language, Multilingualism and Literacy”
Language plays a vital role in fostering literacy development in multilingual contexts, enabling individuals to access knowledge, engage with written materials and actively participate in learning, society and the economy. Embracing multilingualism in literacy policies and programmes that acknowledge learners' diverse linguistic backgrounds, aspirations and language usage is crucial for creating an inclusive and sustainable society. This includes the recognition of the importance of indigenous languages as underlined by the Indigenous Languages Decade.
To address this issue, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, together with the UNESCO Headquarters sections on Youth, Literacy and Skills Development and Education for Inclusion and Gender Equality, as well as SIL International, will host a webinar on 'Language, Multilingualism and Literacy' on 12 July 2023 (13:00 to 14:30 (CEST).
The webinar aims to raise awareness and understanding of the significance of multilingualism, language and literacy for reaching Sustainable Development Goal 4, while highlighting their interconnectedness. It will provide a platform for sharing promising cases of literacy and language policies, as well as innovative programmes implemented in various cultural and linguistic contexts. Moreover, the event will examine the need for research and an enhanced evidence base to support literacy development in multilingual environments.
The webinar is open to representatives from member countries of the UNESCO Global Alliance for Literacy, partners involved in literacy programme development and implementation in multilingual contexts, researchers, and experts in language, multilingualism and literacy education.
Following the previous webinar (GAL webinar #1) on the everyday-life Skills and Practices Survey (e-PASS) in March 2023, this webinar marks the second event in a series of knowledge-exchange events focusing on specific topics related to literacy.
About the Global Alliance for Literacy
Since its launch in 2016, the Global Alliance for Literacy has driven international discourse and guided the agenda for literacy provision globally for those who need it most. The alliance includes 30 countries committed to improving youth and adult literacy. It serves as a platform for its members to discuss progress and challenges together, and to exchange knowledge and good practice. The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning serves as the GAL Secretariat.
Date and time
Wednesday, 12 July 2023 from 13:00 to 14:30 (CEST)
Participation
Upon invitation only
Programme
Languages
English and French
Further information:
- Global Alliance for Literacy within the Framework of Lifelong Learning (GAL): strategy 2020–2025
- International Literacy Day 2019: revisiting literacy and multilingualism, background paper
- Literacy in multilingual and multicultural contexts: Effective Approaches to Adult Learning and Education
- Multilingual education - a necessity to transform education: report of the event on International Mother Language Day 2023
