ASTANA – Kazakhstan's permanent delegation to UNESCO participated in events commemorating International Mother Language Day at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Feb. 21. The events, held annually, focus on the importance of linguistic diversity and the preservation of mother languages worldwide.

This year's celebration included panel sessions featuring speakers and representatives from academia, international and non-governmental organizations, and the diplomatic corps. Discussions centered on protecting and promoting multilingualism, linguistic diversity, the status of endangered languages, and the progress and challenges of multilingual education globally.

Askar Abdrakhmanov, Kazakhstan's permanent delegate to UNESCO, addressed the gathering, emphasizing Kazakhstan's ongoing work to develop the state Kazakh language, particularly within the realms of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, according to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry's press service.

Abdrakhmanov stressed that Kazakhstan guarantees the rights of its diverse ethnic communities to learn and use their mother tongues alongside Kazakh. This commitment is demonstrated through support for relevant educational institutions, media outlets, theaters, and cultural associations.

He highlighted the significant role of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, in maintaining interethnic harmony within the country.

The cultural program featured a performance by Kazakh musician Aigerim Yersainova, who played a piece by Korkyt Ata, a revered sage and musician whose legacy is inscribed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, on the kobyz, a traditional Kazakh stringed instrument.

The UNESCO events served to reaffirm the significance of preserving and promoting mother languages and cultural diversity, recognizing their vital role in building peace and mutual respect among nations.

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