This December 10th, for the International Day of Human Rights, the EU GREEN Alliance proudly presents a phonological awareness campaign led by the Pluralingualism team, coordinated by the Direction of Internationalization of Studies, Vice Chancellorship of Academic Planning at the University of Extremadura (UEx). This initiative celebrates the rich linguistic diversity within the alliance, highlighting how the unique sounds of our languages serve as a powerful call for tolerance and respect, the cornerstone of human rights. Thanks go out to the various EU GREEN Alliance members and their family members who recorded for the campaign in French, German, Swedish, Polish, Romanian, Italian, Irish, Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
Linguistic diversity is more than a reflection of cultural richness; it is a vital tool for fostering understanding and unity. By focusing on the phonological variety within the EU GREEN Alliance, this campaign underscores the role of language in promoting universal respect for human dignity and rights. The initiative aligns with the UN’s statement that “Human rights are a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world”, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The campaign uses the unique phonetic characteristics of the alliance’s languages to invite reflection on inclusion and respect for all voices. As the United Nations (2023) notes, “Over 90 percent of SDG targets overlap with human rights obligations,” making a human rights-based approach essential for achieving the Agenda 2030’s vision of leaving no one behind.
Through this campaign, EU GREEN not only celebrates the International Day of Human Rights but also reinforces its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together, the alliance calls on its members and the global community to uphold human rights as a shared responsibility and a pathway to a sustainable and equitable future.
