[1][2][3][4][5][6] On 19 December 2016 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages based on a resolution of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (Resolution 71/178).

[3][7][6] The General Assembly resolution requested the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the lead UN agency for coordination of the year.

[1][2][5][8] The International Year of Indigenous Languages aimed to focus attention on the risks confronting indigenous languages, especially those significant for development, reconciliation, good governance and peace building.

It aimed to improve quality of life, wider international cooperation and visibility and strengthened intercultural dialogue to reaffirm the continuity of indigenous languages and cultures.

Involvement in the year was available to indigenous peoples, UN system organisations, countries, academia, public and private bodies and the media.