The 6 official languages of the UN are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Delegates may speak in any of the official languages and the speech will be simultaneously translated into the other official languages. They may speak in an unofficial language but must provide interpretation. All written communications are presented in all six of the official languages. This ensures matters of global importance are clearly understood by all delegates.

In 1945 the UN was originally chartered in 5 of the official languages creating its official languages over the course of the next 40 years. In 1980 the current six official languages were adopted.

Multilingualism promotes mutual respect and a fuller participation by more nations. The UN is the largest employer of linguistic experts in the world. Hundreds of language professionals work for the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management in New York, Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi and by the regional commissions of the United Nations in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut and Santiago. Language professionals engage in a wide range of occupations including interpreters, translators, editors, verbatim reporters, terminologists, reference assistants, copy preparers and proofreaders.

To ensure equal use of all languages, there are official days for each language. These are:

  • Arabic (18 December)
  • Chinese (20 April)
  • English (23 April)
  • Spanish (23 April))
  • French (20 March)
  • Russian (6 June)

More Info: www.un.org