UN proclaims 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages

The United Nations General Assembly voted to declare 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages, which, according to the resolution text, “draws the attention to the critical loss of indigenous languages and the urgent need to preserve, revitalize and promote indigenous languages at the national and international levels.”

The decision is part of a resolution that was unanimously adopted by the 193 member states of the United Nations.

In addition, the resolution invites The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to "serve as the lead agency for the Year."

Bolivia, which recognizes 36 official languages, co-authored the resolution together with Ecuador.