International Translation Day

This International Translation Day , we ask: what does the future hold for human translators? Rather than disappearing, their role is changing — from producing text to protecting meaning, quality, and ethics in ways machines cannot. In the @unescocourier , Joss Moorkens explored whether translators are an endangered species. Today, the question feels even more pressing, as the profession continues to change.

Translation is crucial to the work of the United Nations , facilitating dialogue, understanding & cooperation around the world. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most translated document in the world , existing in over 500 languages . On Tuesday’s September 30th ; International Translation Day , join us in thanking all language professionals whose work helps bring people and nations together.

Under the theme " Translation, an art worth protecting: Moral and Material rights for Indigenous Languages " this event will focus on prominent ethical issues in the context of copyright, data collection and use of translated works. The event will shed light on the practical challenges faced by our multifaceted global community in data collection and translation of Indigenous languages and how they navigate such challenges as per industry norms. UNESCO - Online event 30 September 2024 - 10:00 am (CEST) Virtual

 Translation is often the essential prerequisite for accessing a universal, multiple, diverse culture.  In this issue of the UNESCO Courier, explore what this really entails. Read the issue on  TRANSLATION: From one world to another . Tools UN Official Documents System . UN terminology database (UNTERM). Editorial Manual (EN) . Careers UN Language Careers . UN competitive examinations for language professionals . Multilingualism at the UN UN Secretary-General’s page on multilingualism . Coordination of Multilingualism .

Languages , with their complex implications for identity, communication, social integration, education and development, are of strategic importance for people and the planet. There is growing awareness that languages play a vital role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in attaining quality education for all and strengthening cooperation, in building inclusive knowledge societies and preserving cultural heritage, and in mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development. An essential factor in harmonious communication among peoples , multilingualism is also regarded by the United Nations General Assembly as a core value of the Organization. By promoting tolerance, multilingualism ensures effective and increased participation of all in the Organization’s work, as well as greater effectiveness, better performance and improved transparency

The United Nations is one of the world's largest employers of language professionals. Several hundred language staff work in UN offices in New York, Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi, or at the United Nations regional Offices in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Geneva and Santiago. Translators are one type of language professionals employed at the UN. UN language specialists include: Editorial and desktop publishing assistants ; Editors ;  Interpreters ;  Précis-writers ;  Production editors and desktop publishers ;  Translators ;  Verbatim reporters United Nations translators handle all kinds of documents, from statements by Member States to reports prepared by expert bodies. The documents they translate cover every topic on the United Nations agenda, including human rights, peace and security, and development. New issues arise every day. UN documents are issued simultaneously in the six official languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian...