International Mother Language Day 2026 Forum in Thailand 20 Feb 2026 at Mahidol University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamolrat Intaratat, AMIC Respresentative, Thailand, Advisor to the Pathum Thani Mon Studies Center at Wat Bang Luang and Director of the CCDKM Research Center, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, led a delegation of scholars and cultural partners to participate in the International Mother Language Day 2026 Academic Forum on 20 February 2026 at the Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development (RILCA), Mahidol University, Salaya.
The event was organized under UNESCO’s global theme, “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,” emphasizing the vital role of mother tongues in strengthening identity, well-being, and social participation among young people.
The Public Forum brought together experts and organizations in education and ethnic studies to exchange knowledge and propose policy directions. Key sessions included:
Session 1: Strategies for producing and supporting teachers to effectively serve ethnic children.
Session 2: Language, Identity, and Way of Life: Legal frameworks and research for advancing ethnic education.
In addition to academic discussions, the Pathum Thani Mon Studies Center hosted a Partner Booth showcasing research and innovations related to language, culture, and ethnic development. The exhibition featured demonstrations of Mon intangible cultural heritage, traditional attire, accessories, and creative cross-cultural learning media. The booth attracted significant interest from academics, policymakers, youth participants, and the general public.
A major highlight of the event was the Youth Voice segment, which provided a platform for indigenous and ethnic youth from various networks to express their identities through their mother tongues, accompanied by cultural performances reflecting the dynamic power of linguistic diversity in a globalized world.
The participation of the Pathum Thani Mon Studies Center underscores its role as an academic and cultural mechanism connecting local knowledge to national and international platforms. Through communication innovation, information technology, and AI-driven approaches, CCDKM continues to promote multilingual and culturally grounded education policies, aiming to create equitable learning opportunities for ethnic children and youth in Thailand.
