Seventy-first session

Agenda element: Description

Multilingualism

Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Cuba, Paraguay, Qatar, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Vietnam: draft resolution

The role of professional translation in strengthening relations between countries and in promoting peace, understanding and development

The General Assembly,

Guided by the Charter of the United Nations,

Taking into account the resolutions adopted in relation to the model of conferences and, in particular, resolution 71/262 of 23 December 2016, ratifying resolution 42/207 C of 11 December 1987, and taking into account the resolutions adopted on multilingualism and, in particular, resolution 69/324 of 11 September 2015,

Taking into account also resolutions 53/199 of 15 December 1998 and 61/185 of 20 December 2006 concerning the proclamation of international years, and resolution 1980/76 of the Economic and Social Council of 25 July 1980 concerning international days and anniversaries,

Taking into account, in addition, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 1, which recognizes all cultures and civilizations that can contribute to sustainable development and are fundamental to facilitate it,

Recognizing that respect for the cultural and linguistic diversity of the world is an indispensable condition for promoting in the United Nations a spirit of openness, equity and dialogue,

Recognizing, on the one hand, the role of multilingualism as the main value of the organization in the actions of the United Nations and its projection to the world, and, on the other, the importance that culture and languages of the world reinforce, protect and care for,

Given that language is both common and unique, it reinforces the image of a united world emerging from diversity.

Taking into account that professional translation that places literary or scientific works of one language, including techniques, in another language, including translation itself, interpretation and terminology, is essential to ensure clarity, good environment and productivity in international public discourses and interpersonal communication,

Taking into account the importance of the quality of the six official languages of the United Nations,

Recognizing the practical contributions of language professionals, both in conference services and in the achievement of the United Nations objectives, such as the maintenance of peace and security, the guarantee of peace, the promotion of human rights and the realization of actions aimed at achieving sustainable development,

Estimating the efforts of the Secretary General to ensure the quality and adequacy of the translation.

Welcome to the San Jerónimo Translation Contest held annually on the occasion of International Translation Day.

Welcoming the collaboration that the Secretary-General has created with university networks, through which a document of understanding has been signed with the United Nations to prepare candidates for language proficiency testing and recognizing that such collaboration has the capacity to transfer talent to United Nations language services,

1. States that professional translation, as a profession and art, is of paramount importance for achieving the objectives and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, fostering dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening global peace and security;

2. Decides that September 30 is International Translation Day.

3. Invites Member States, UN system organizations and other international and regional organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations and persons to celebrate International Translation Day, in order to properly and in line with national priorities, warn of the importance of professional translation and that the total cost of that day's actions must be paid with voluntary contributions;

4. Requests that the Secretary-General, in relation to United Nations language professionals, continue to ensure quality and excellence.