UNICRI Framework on Multilingualism - August 2024
"In an interconnected world, multilingualism contributes to building trust and making the United Nations more efficient, more representative and more transparent"
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
UNICRI actively participates in the ongoing dialogue on how multilingualism enhances its work and supports the imperatives of the UN, contributing to racial diversity, equity, and inclusion. It also recognises the release of its Framework on Multilingualism as one of the first to follow the United Nations' recently issued Strategic Framework on Multilingualism. The Institute is committed to exploring practical, responsive, and targeted ways in which multilingualism can guide and support its efforts in addressing complex transnational criminal justice challenges and enhancing programme impact in the field.
As a specialised, knowledge- and research-based UN institute, UNICRI integrates language considerations into many aspects of its work, both at its headquarters in Turin, Italy, and at the 12 other locations where its staff operates. These considerations inform how multilingualism is applied by UNICRI to serve its global community of beneficiaries, taking into account its programme context, stakeholder needs, and available resources. This applies not only to the six official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish) but also to unofficial and local languages, as well as the national language of its duty station, Italian.
This Framework on Multilingualism outlines UNICRI’s approach to integrating multilingualism and diverse languages into its activities, operations, and communications. It provides a comprehensive and practical strategy to strengthen the Institute’s multilingual practices, programme advocacy, and communication efforts. The Framework is developed to be relevant, adaptable, and responsive to the ever-evolving landscape of transnational crime and justice, as well as UNICRI’s voluntary-funded programmatic activities.
Multilingualism, in this context, is cross-disciplinary and action-oriented, interacting with UNICRI’s various approaches, audiences, and contexts. The Framework recognises the challenging environments in which UNICRI operates and reflects how multilingual principles and practices can enhance its effectiveness in delivering targeted programming.
Additionally, it underscores the strategic importance UNICRI places on its trusted partnerships, alliances, and networks. Meaningful engagement and reciprocal knowledge exchange stem from shared understanding and the connections forged in an international environment marked by plurality.
UNICRI’s Framework on Multilingualism draws its guidance and targeted actions from the United Nations Strategic Framework on Multilingualism. It has been designed to align with the UN’s broader vision of mainstreaming multilingualism across its entities, ensuring more effective and accountable operations and outcomes.
