神马午夜福利网

Collage of illustrations depicting William Shakespeare, a dragon-like seahorse, and a robot all of which are superimposed over a blue background with scribbles.
Contributing hundreds of words and phrases, which are still in use today, playwright William Shakespeare had a significant impact on modern-day English. Today, what role can AI take in shaping the future of our languages?
Photo:United Nations/Tulin Battikhi - created with Adobe Express AI-generated items and content from Pixabay/Gordon Johnson

Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t.

William Shakespeare, "Hamlet"

Celebrating the English language at the United Nations

English Language Day at the United Nations is celebrated on the 23rd of April — the date traditionally observed as both the birthday and date of death of . As well as being the English language's most famous playwright, Shakespeare had a significant . Shakespeare's creativity with language meant he contributed hundreds of new words and phrases: 'gossip'; 'fashionable' and 'lonely' were all first used by Shakespeare. He also invented phrases like 'break the ice', 'faint-hearted' and 'love is blind'.

English is one of the languages of international communication. People from different countries and cultures are increasingly able to communicate with each other in English, even if it is not their first language. This makes it an essential tool for global cooperation and diplomacy.

At the United Nations, English is one of the two working languages, along with French.

Events

Shakespeare at the UN poster

AI Communication Showcase & Skills Lab for Career Growth

Date: 20 April 2026
Time: 12:00 - 1:30pm (EST)
Place: UN Secretariat Building, UNHQ Learning Centre (Floor 3B)
Sign up - space is limited:

Whether you are AI-curious or AI-confident, this session with the NYU Workplace Learning Innovation Lab will lead you through a series of “live” AI demos and practical ways to use AI-powered tools for upskilling in any job function.

Presented by the .

Online: Expert “Lightning Panel”: FRONTER MINDS: Upskilling
Communications in the AI Era

Date: 23 April 2026
Time: 9:00am - 10:30am (EST)
Place: online

Sign up:

An international "lightning panel" featuring experts from leading academic institutions in discussion about how to boost your career, use research-based strategies for global communication and become fit for “AI fluency,” with many key insights from the fields of communications, executive coaching and technology.

Presented by the .

flyer advertising the English Language Day event at the UN NY headquarters

Resources

British vs. American English: Test your knowledge

scribbles with radio buttons with big ben and lady liberty

United Nations/Tulin Battikhi (with elements from Adobe Express)

Coming soon!

Test your knowledge - level 1 & Advanced

Adobe Express/AI generated illustration

 

UN English Language Programme

(ELP) offers regular core English courses (levels one through eight), which are designed to improve general English language proficiency, as well as communication courses and special courses to meet both the work-related needs and cultural interests of members of the United Nations community.

Multilingualism at the UN: Why it matters

multilingualism at the United Nations publication cover

Why it matters [pdf]:
Arabic | Chinese | English | French | Russian | Spanish

UN Strategic Framework on Multilingualism

illustrated cover of the United Nations Strategic Framework on Multilingualism

Strategic Framework [pdf]:
Arabic | Chinese | English | French | Russian | Spanish

 

A verbatim reporter at work

UN language staff come from all over the globe and make up a uniquely diverse multilingual community. What unites them is the pursuit of excellence in their respective areas, the excitement of being at the forefront of international affairs and the desire to contribute to the realization of the purposes of the United Nations, as outlined in the Charter, by facilitating communication and decision-making. They include Production editors, Editors, Interpreters, Translators, Verbatim Reporters, Editorial and Desktop Publishing Assistants, and Language Reference Assistants. Visit our and our careers page.

Gender-inclusive language

Given the key role that language plays in shaping cultural and social attitudes, using gender-inclusive language is a powerful way to promote gender equality and eradicate gender bias. Being inclusive from a gender language perspective means speaking and writing in a way that does not discriminate against a particular sex, social gender or gender identity, and does not perpetuate gender stereotypes. These Guidelines include recommendations and materials, created to help United Nations staff use gender-inclusive language in any type of communication — oral or written, formal or informal — and are a useful starting point for anyone.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.