2008 UNU/UNESCO Conference "Globalization and Languages: Building on our Rich Heritage"

27-28 August 2008, U Thant International Conference Hall

The conference will begin with a public symposium on the first day, which will address the policy aspects of the conference theme. This will be followed by panel sessions to present case studies and key findings on some of the strategic areas crucial to the safeguarding and promotion of linguistic diversity.The second day will consist of a panel and four pararell workshop sessions which recognized experts will examine the depth of key issues and make policy recommendations.

Programme
8/27 Wed International Conference
United Nations University Headquarters, U Thant International Conference Hall, Tokyo

Morning:
- Opening Remarks and Introduction
- Keynote Presentations:
o Vigdis Finnbogadottir, Former President, Republic of Iceland, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Languages
o Olabiyi Babalola JosephYai, Chairman of the Executive Board, UNESCO, Ambassador, and Permanent Delegate of Benin to UNESCO
o Stephen May, Professor and Chair of Language and Literacy Education, University of Waikato, New Zealand
o Adama Samassekou, Executive Secretary (a.i.) of the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN), and President of Maaya Network

Afternoon:
- Consecutive panel sessions will focus on the key themes of multilingualism, education and learning, and safeguarding endangered languages.

8/28 Thurs Panel session, Plenary Session & Parallel Workshop Sessions

Morning:
- Panel session on Standard-Setting Instruments
- Opening Plenary Session

Afternoon
- Parallel Workshop Sessions
o Multilingualism, translation, communication and literacy
o Education and Learning
o Safeguarding endangered languages
o Standard-setting instruments
- Concluding Plenary
o Reports of the working groups with discussion of conclusions, and adoption or recommendations
o Concluding Remarks
Related link : http://www.unu.edu/globalization/


Keynote Session