Observed on Tuesday, September 30, 2026, International Translation Day pays tribute to language professionals whose work enables cooperation across borders. Translators, interpreters, editors, and terminology experts make dialogue possible, protect clarity in public discourse, and help strengthen peace and security worldwide.

Global Recognition and the United Nations Involvement

On 24 May 2017, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 71/288 recognizing the essential role of language professionals in fostering peace, understanding, and development, and it proclaimed 30 September as International Translation Day. The date marks the feast of St. Jerome patron saint of translators renowned for translating much of the Bible into Latin and for his mastery of Greek and Hebrew.

The Goals of International Translation Day

• Honor Language Professionals: Recognize translators, interpreters, editors, précis-writers, and other specialists who connect people, cultures, and institutions.

• Advance Multilingualism: Uphold multilingualism as a core UN value that improves participation, transparency, and effectiveness in global governance.

• Safeguard Access & Rights: Promote ethical, responsible use of translated works and support linguistic rights, including those of Indigenous languages.

• Strengthen Cooperation & Development: Use language access to support education, cultural heritage, science, and inclusive economic and social progress.

Annual Themes and Their Impact

Recent programming has highlighted ethics, copyright, data practices, and the protection of Indigenous languages for example, UNESCO’s theme “Translation, an art worth protecting: Moral and Material rights for Indigenous Languages.” In 2026, the observance continues to spotlight the practical challenges language professionals face and the policies that help them safeguard cultural knowledge and equitable access to information.

Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Language access supports literacy, learning materials, and inclusive classrooms.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Multilingual services remove barriers to public information and essential services.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions – Accurate translation and interpretation enhance transparency, participation, and rule of law.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Cross-border collaboration depends on clear, shared understanding across languages.

Championing Multilingualism at the UN

Multilingualism ensures inclusive participation in the UN’s work. The Organization issues documents simultaneously in its six official languages Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish and some core texts are also available in German. Several hundred language staff serve in New York, Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi, as well as at regional commissions in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Geneva, and Santiago. Their expertise keeps the UN’s agenda spanning human rights, peace and security, and development accessible to all.

Did You Know?

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights holds the Guinness World Record as the most translated document (500+ languages).

• The UN is one of the world’s largest employers of language professionals.

• Delegates may speak in any official UN language; speeches are interpreted simultaneously into the others.

Careers & Resources

Interested in this field? Explore UN Language Careers, competitive examinations for language professionals, the UN Official Documents System, UNTERM (terminology), and the Editorial Manual to understand global standards for clarity and consistency.

Engagement and Global Solidarity

International Translation Day is a call to recognize the people who transform words into bridges opening cultural access, enabling public participation, and strengthening peaceful cooperation. On September 30, 2026, join the global community in celebrating language professionals and advancing policies that protect multilingual communication for everyone.

International Translation Day Themes