UNESCO’s action in culture and the importance of language maintenance in the Pacific

The United Nations in general and UNESCO in particular have adopted a number of conventions supporting the maintenance and use of languages of lesser power, particularly the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. While not specifically mentioning language, these conventions preserve languages of lesser power as the means of the expression of intangible cultural heritage and the diversity of cultural expression. In the Pacific, UNESCO supports International Mother Language Day and various activities to preserve indigenous forms of communication. This is vital if the region is to harness its diversity as a source of creativity and sustainable development.