Secretary-General Calls Language Staff Key to Sustainability of Multilingualism, in Tenth-Anniversary Message for MOU Universities Network

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the tenth anniversary of MOU Universities Network, in New York today:

I care deeply about multilingualism, a core value of the United Nations.  Multilingualism helps guarantee the effectiveness of our multilateral system.  Language staff are key to its sustainability.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of our network.  We proudly hosted the fifth conference with partner universities preparing candidates for our language competitive examinations.

I thank the network of partner universities supporting the replenishment of our language staff and capacity-building, particularly in developing countries.

I hope today’s panel discussion on multilingualism will generate a shared understanding of evolving needs and promising solutions.

Thank you for your valuable insights.