For the preservation and promotion of all languages, particularly those at risk.




The Vigdís International Centre for Multilingualism and Intercultural Understanding has been renewed as a UNESCO Category 2 Centre for the next eight years, following the approval of UNESCO’s Executive Board at its 222nd session in October 2025 reinforcing a strategic partnership to advance multilingualism, foster intercultural dialogue, and protect cultural heritage worldwide.

This renewal reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to UNESCO’s mandate on multilingualism, which promotes the preservation and promotion of all languages, particularly those at risk, as essential instruments of identity, education, social inclusion, and intercultural understanding.

Language is central to a nation’s culture and identity — a living treasure shaped by our past and evolving with our future. The renewed mandate of the Vigdís International Centre as a UNESCO Category 2 Centre reinforces our shared commitment to care for, respect, and actively support languages through research, education, and language technology. As a technologically advanced and curious nation, Iceland is proud to contribute to global efforts that ensure languages continue to grow, thrive, and remain living parts of culture in the digital age. ---- Logi Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education


The Vigdís Centre will continue to support UNESCO’s global efforts to ensure that languages continue to thrive in the digital era and that communities—especially in the Arctic and Nordic regions—can safeguard and transmit their linguistic heritage for generations to come.

Notably, The Vigdis Centre’s activities align with the 2003 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Promotion and Use of Multilingualism and Universal Access to Cyberspace, which recognizes freedom of expression in the language of one’s choice and access to multilingual information as fundamental human rights, as well as with UNESCO’s role as the lead implementation agency of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032).


Multilingualism is at the heart of UNESCO’s mission to promote inclusive, knowledge-based societies. The renewal of the Vigdís International Centre as a Category 2 Centre strengthens our collective efforts to protect linguistic diversity, advance intercultural dialogue, and ensure that all languages—especially those at risk—can thrive in the digital age. --- Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO


Category 2 Centres are autonomous institutions established under the auspices of UNESCO. They work in close collaboration with UNESCO to contribute to its programs and priorities, while bringing specialized expertise, research, and regional knowledge to address global challenges. The Vigdís Centre’s renewal enables it to play a critical role in advancing multilingualism, supporting research on endangered and lesser-used languages, and developing innovative initiatives to sustain linguistic and cultural diversity.


This renewed partnership with UNESCO reaffirms our shared commitment to safeguarding linguistic and cultural diversity. At the Vigdís International Centre, we will continue to support research, education, and innovative initiatives that empower communities to preserve and transmit their languages for future generations. ---- Dr Sofiya Zahova, Director of the Vigdís International Centre for Multilingualism and Intercultural Understanding


The Vigdís International Centre for Multilingualism and Intercultural Understanding was established in Reykjavík, Iceland, following the approval of UNESCO’s General Conference in 2011 as a Category 2 Centre under the auspices of UNESCO.

Through this renewed mandate, UNESCO and Vigdís will continue to work together to strengthen research, education, and practical solutions for multilingualism, fostering inclusive societies, intercultural dialogue, and respect among communities worldwide. The partnership highlights the vital role of collaboration in ensuring that languages and cultures—particularly those that are most vulnerable—remain living, dynamic, and central to human development.

For more information, please contact Xianhong Hu, Programme Specialist at the Information for All Programme, and Sofiya Zahova, Director of the Vigdís International Centre for Multilingualism and Intercultural Understanding.

Location: Ireland

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