On International Translation Day, observed annually on 30 September, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) affirms that translation goes beyond transferring words between languages. It is one of the most important bridges of communication between peoples and cultures, and a means of sharing knowledge, fostering civilizational dialogue, safeguarding cultural and linguistic diversity, and building societies better equipped for understanding, cooperation, and creativity.

In this context, ICESCO notes that this year’s observance, held under the theme “Linguistic Diversity and Language Rights: The Power of Being Understood,” underscores the role of translation, interpreting, and terminological work in ensuring equal participation in education, culture, science, and life.

ICESCO stresses that protecting languages is a shared responsibility that requires expanding translation efforts and supporting multilingual content production, with particular attention to languages with limited digital resources, enabling their communities to contribute to knowledge production.

In light of the transformations driven by artificial intelligence, machine translation, and language models, the Organization calls for a responsible, human-centered approach in which technology supports, rather than replaces, human expertise, while ensuring accuracy and respect for cultural contexts and linguistic specificities.

On this occasion, ICESCO also urges investment in training a new generation of translators and specialists in languages and terminology who combine linguistic and cultural competence, specialized knowledge, and the responsible use of technology. It also calls for broader cooperation among universities, research centers, translation and publishing institutions, and the technology sector to develop dictionaries, language corpora, and digital platforms.

In this regard, ICESCO attaches particular importance to strengthening the presence of Arabic and the languages of the Islamic world in global knowledge and the digital space, as well as to promoting translation from and into these languages as a gateway to civilizational interaction, innovation, and development. It also highlights the role of translation in cultural diplomacy and in making the literature and ideas of peoples accessible beyond stereotypes.

ICESCO renews its appreciation for the efforts of translators, linguists, terminologists, researchers, and institutions working in this field, and calls on the international community to support more equitable and inclusive language technologies, grounded in the value of every language, the contribution of every culture, and the right of every person to be heard and understood.