The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), held in Sevilla, from 30 June to 3 July, served as both a platform for high-level global finance discussions and a reminder of how multilingualism actively supports multilateralism.
One clear example of this was the multilingual signage at the Conference. From the outset, participants were welcomed into an environment where language considerations had been thoughtfully integrated.
The conference logo was prominently displayed throughout the venue in all six official languages of the United Nations – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Meeting room display boards carried full session titles in all six UN languages.
Multilingualism was also reflected in directional signage, office identifiers and room labels. Indicators of VIP rooms and Secretariat offices and spaces were consistently offered in English and French, the two working languages of the Secretariat, and Spanish, the host country’s official language.
Beyond physical signage, digital innovation further supported multilingualism. QR codes placed throughout the venue directed users to language-specific daily editions of the Journal of the United Nations, a publication of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management, issued in all six official languages.
Multilingualism ensures that all voices can be heard. In many ways, including through its signage, the FfD4 conference embodied the spirit of multilingualism, as a core value of the United Nations and an enabler of multilateralism.
Showing that when it comes to global dialogue at UN conferences, getting the message across in the six official languages is essential – even on our largest banners or tiniest signs!
