Mogadishu - Every voice matters. Every language counts. On International Mother Language Day, UNSOS and UNTMIS across Somalia honour the richness of the Somali language and the vibrant diversity of mother tongues represented across our missions. This linguistic richness strengthens the way we serve the country, its people, and the communities we support.

Our colleagues speak a tapestry of mother tongues—from Tigrigna and Amharic in East Africa, Twi and Igbo in West Africa, Luo and Yoruba in Kenya, Luganda in Uganda, Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi in South Asia, Kazakh in Central Asia, German and Bulgarian in Europe, to Spanish across Latin America and Spain, among many others. Each language carries history, identity, and culture, reflecting the diversity that makes our missions stronger.

To mark the occasion, colleagues contributed to the video “Voices of UNSOS and UNTMIS,” celebrating the power of language. 

In her message, Acting ASG and Head of UNSOS, Qurat-ul-Ain Sadozai, shared in Somali, English, and her mother tongue Urdu:

"Good day. On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, I would like to wish you all a happy celebration. This reminds us of the diversity of the UN, and the UN being able to cater to many languages, and many cultures that come together in this Institution. I wish you all a very happy celebration."

We also celebrate linguistic richness through the “Word of the Day”, displayed on the UN Camp digital boards, and the Language Wall in the common area, where colleagues share their favourite words in their mother languages. These initiatives showcase the many languages spoken across our missions, enrich our language culture, and highlight the value of diversity. Multilingualism fosters inclusion, understanding, and collaboration, reinforcing our shared commitment to respect everyone.

Hambalyo Maalinta Caalamiga ah ee Afka Hooyo!

Happy International Mother Language Day!