Languages, whether spoken by hundreds of millions, or just by a few thousand native speakers, connect people and are inseparably linked with the respective culture. However, according to a UNESCO estimate, one language disappears every two weeks – an irreparable loss for our collective cultural heritage.
The date of French Language Day was chosen symbolically in reference to March 20, 1970, which marked the creation of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT), which became the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF)
The Division of Conference Management at the United Nations Office at Geneva joins these celebrations by highlighting the cultural wealth and language abilities of its staff and partners.
What languages do you speak?
Visit our photobooth to show your language abilities
The photobooth will be set up between 17 and 21 March during working hours.
Directions: enter through door 40 (E-Building, 2nd floor). Move to the first floor towards the Serpent Bar. The photobooth is located close to the Cagi cultural kiosk.
Everyone working at or visiting the United Nations Office at Geneva has the opportunity to take a picture showcasing the languages they speak.
Take your colleagues for a group picture and demonstrate the linguistic diversity in your team!
Did you know?
- French is spoken by 321 million people across all continents.
- The number of French speakers is projected to reach 700 million by 2050, with 85% of them expected to be in Africa.
- Approximately 93 million students worldwide are learning French
- French ranks as the fourth most used language on the internet.
- It is an official language in 29 countries and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations
- The United Nations celebrates French Language Day annually on 20 March
Test your knowledge of the French language!
