UNESCO International Mother Language Day, New Scots Special

You are invited

This event is a celebration of mother languages spoken by many multilingual communities across Edinburgh. While we celebrate the languages from Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Hong Kong and Ukraine - Pashto, Arabic, Cantonese and Ukrainian respectively, we also reflect on best practice and increased need for support for all communities to preserve mother languages in families, communities, schools and public spaces.

The event will open with a welcome address from the Depute Lord Provost, Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, and live performances and exhibitions from local artists and community groups, including musicians Elaine Cheng and Ling Tse, filmmaker and photographer Olga Niekrasova, composer Saber Bamatraf, fine artist Shatha Altowai as well as Ukrainian children's choir Harmony and the youth dance groups My Way and Kvity Ukrainy supported by the Missions of Innocents UK and Ukrainian Community Centre (AUGB Edinburgh). The event will continue with networking and discussion opportunities that will inform next steps in supporting language preservation efforts across the city.

This event is hosted by Culture and Wellbeing Service, The City of Edinburgh Council, with support from the Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme (2025–2026).

Please reserve your ticket(s) by 12noon on 20 February 2026.

#Youth4Peace #ScotlandLovesLanguages

@UNESCO @edinburghcouncil @EdinburghCityLibraries

Event format notes

Please note that all ages are welcome at the event. Light refreshments will be offered throughout the evening. Designated quiet spaces will be provided for attendees observing Ramadan.

There is no formal dress code required, but cultural dress elements are encouraged and welcome.

For more information, please visit https://made-in-edinburgh.com/

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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