The UN Recognizes the Role of Professional Translation With a Special Resolution

The role of professional translation in connecting nations and fostering peace, understanding and development

The General Assembly,

Guided by the Charter of the United Nations,

Recalling its previous resolutions on the pattern of conferences, including resolution 71/262 of 23 December 2016, reaffirming its resolution 42/207 C of 11 December 1987, and recalling also its previous resolutions on multilingualism, in particular resolution 69/324 of 11 September 2015,

Recalling also its resolutions 53/199 of 15 December 1998 and 61/185 of 20 December 2006 on the proclamation of international years and Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67 of 25 July 1980 on international years and anniversaries,

Recalling further the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in which it is recognized that all cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and are crucial enablers of, sustainable development,

Recognizing that respect for the world’s cultural and linguistic diversity is an essential prerequisite for the promotion, in the United Nations, of the spirit of openness, equity and dialogue,

Acknowledging the role of multilingualism in the activities of the United Nations and its projection to the world, as a core value of the Organization, and its pursuit as a means of promoting, protecting and preserving diversity of languages and cultures globally,

Mindful of how language, as a fusion of the common and the unique, reflects the idea of the strength of a united world, which stems from its diversity,

Noting that, as a transposition of a literary or scientific work, including technical work, from one language into another language, professional translation, including translation proper, interpretation and terminology, is indispensable to preserving clarity, a positive climate and productiveness in international public discourse and interpersonal communication,

Recalling the paramount importance of the equality of the six official languages of the United Nations,

Recognizing the practical contribution of language professionals, both in conference servicing and in the field, to furthering the cause of the United Nations, including in the maintenance of peace and security, peacekeeping, the promotion of human rights, and operational activities for sustainable development,

Taking note with appreciation of the efforts of the Secretary-General to preserve high quality and craftsmanship in translation,

Welcoming the holding of the annual Saint Jerome Translation Contest to commemorate International Translation Day,

Welcoming also the cooperation of the Secretary-General with the network of universities that have signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations on the training of candidates for language competitive examinations, and recognizing the role of this cooperation in channeling talent towards the United Nations language services,

1. Affirms that professional translation, as a trade and an art, plays an important role in upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security;
2. Decides to declare 30 September International Translation Day;
3. Invites all Member States, the organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as non -governmental organizations and individuals, to observe International Translation Day, in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national priorities, in order to raise awareness of the importance of professional translation, and stresses that the cost of such activities should be met from voluntary contributions;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to preserve high quality and excellence in the work of language professionals in the United Nations.