MIDWEEK REPORTER
DURBAN, South Africa – The Chairperson of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022–2032), Professor Wiseman Magwa, has underscored the indispensable role of language in driving sustainable national development, urging nations to prioritise the protection and revitalisation of indigenous languages as part of their economic and social transformation strategies.
Speaking during a high-level panel discussion at a G20 side event held recently in Durban, South Africa, Prof Magwa said development cannot be meaningfully achieved without language, as it forms the foundation of communication, identity, and knowledge transfer.
“Our discussion centred on the importance of language in national development. We cannot meaningfully talk about development without addressing language, because it is through language that people express identity, knowledge, and participation,” said Magwa.
“I placed particular emphasis on the need to care for, protect, and revitalise indigenous languages. These languages are vital for preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that the indigenous population remains an active and valued part of national growth.”
The G20, a bloc comprising the world’s 20 largest economies—eight of which are industrialized superpowers and 12 emerging economies, serves as a platform for shaping global economic policy.
South Africa remains the only African member of the grouping, representing the continent’s voice on matters of development, inclusion, and sustainability.
Prof Magwa, said language preservation is not merely a cultural issue but a developmental imperative.
“There is not an element of development we can talk about without language,” he noted, adding that linguistic diversity promotes innovation, education, and social cohesion.
Experts agree that language plays a pivotal role in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities.
According to UNESCO, nearly 40% of the world’s population lacks access to education in their mother tongue, a gap that perpetuates marginalisation and economic exclusion.
Magwa’s call comes amid global efforts under the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), an initiative aimed at promoting linguistic diversity and empowering indigenous communities through inclusive policy frameworks.
His message echoed the broader G20 theme of inclusive growth, reminding world leaders that genuine development begins with the voices of the people spoken in their own languages.
