Linguapax is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion linguistic diversity worldwide. Its main aim, synthesized in its name, is to rally linguistic communities worldwide around the belief that languages, as essential vehicles of identity and cultural expression are inseparable from the goals peace and intercultural understanding. Linguapax develops activities along three major lines: consultations to state and substate language policy makers, collaboration in language revitalization and standardization projects on behalf of minority language communities; and elaboration of teaching materials advocating the values of linguistic and cultural diversity.
Linguapax emerged from a UNESCO experts meeting in 1987 which was followed up by a series of workshops and international meetings focused on the promotion of plurilingual education. In the year 2001, coinciding with a growing awareness of the loss of the world's linguistic heritage, the UNESCO Center of Catalonia decided to continue the project and establish its headquarters in Barcelona.
Since 2001, Linguapax has increased its influence and reinforced its international presence through its global network of linguists. In 2006, Linguapax established a l network of organisations, from every part of the world, involved in the safeguarding of linguistic diversity. These partners became regional Linguapax delegations, acting both autonomously and interactively, with the capacity to carry out specific projects suited to local needs and harmonising with the recent normative texts and declarations promoted by the main intergovernmental institutions.
Linguapax activities take the form of:
Linguapax delivers a yearly award to linguists, researchers, professors or members of the civil society as a tribute to their outstanding work in the field of linguistic diversity and multilingual education.
Head of the Language Diversity Department - LINGUAPAX (UNESCO Center of Catalonia)
Alícia Fuentes-Calle
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Tel.: +34 934 763 288
Programme Specialist:
Nadia El-Yousseph
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