As the world becomes increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, the ability to communicate, learn, and participate online depends heavily on language. Yet, most of the world’s linguistic diversity remains excluded from the digital realm—and with it, millions of people risk being left behind.
To address this growing inequality, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released its report, Global Roadmap on Multilingualism in the Digital Era: Advancing the Role of Language Technologies, during the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD+2). The solutions session, organized by UNESCO, brought together members of the UNESCO-led Coalition for Linguistic Diversity in AI, policymakers, researchers, and Indigenous leaders to discuss how inclusive AI design and ethical digital transformation can empower marginalized linguistic communities and advance social development.
The report advances the Doha Political Declaration adopted at WSSD+2, reaffirming global commitments to social inclusion, equal opportunity, and “leaving no one behind.” Its focus on eliminating inequality and exclusion aligns with UNESCO’s call to “leave no language behind.” By promoting language-inclusive AI and enabling marginalized language communities to participate fully in digital life, the report helps put these commitments into practice.
The report was developed by a diverse group of experts with the support of a global consultation, which gathered over 100 responses from 53 countries across governments, academia, civil society, language communities, and the tech sector. Building on this collaboration, UNESCO will now prepare an Action Plan outlining concrete steps, recommended actions, and a clear path for effective implementation and monitoring.
“By valuing and supporting all languages, this global roadmap empowers communities, strengthens education, and contributes directly to the sustainable development goals for a more inclusive and equitable world,” said Salah Khaled, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen.
UNESCO (11/10/25)