Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day has been observed on 21 February since 1999, when it was established by UNESCO and later confirmed by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.
This day is of exceptional importance and is marked with special attention in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, a region where linguistic diversity is carefully preserved and nurtured. The Province consistently promotes a policy of multilingualism and raises awareness of the importance of mother tongues through numerous activities, programmes, projects and through the daily work of provincial authorities.
Vojvodina is a region where more than 25 national communities use their mother tongues in private, public and official communication and where, in addition to the Serbian language, 10 minority languages are in official use within local self-government units, while 12 mother tongues are studied within the education system.
The Provincial Government is continuously and diligently committed to improving and protecting multilingualism in the Province across all areas of social life, by encouraging the learning of mother tongues, particularly minority languages. Nurturing and preservation of mother tongues remain one of the goals and future priorities of the Provincial Government, especially in the field of education, among children and youth, as they are the guardians and the future of mother tongues in our Province.
With this sentiment, I extend my congratulations to all on the occasion of International Mother Language Day.
PROVINCIAL SECRETARY
Ótott Róbert