Lena Resolution

Summary

The International Conference on Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Cyberspace, held in Yakutsk, Russia, from July 2-4, 2008, under UNESCO’s auspices, focused on preserving linguistic and cultural diversity in cyberspace. Organized by various Russian governmental and cultural organizations, it attracted over 100 participants from 15 countries, including experts, political leaders, and representatives from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

The conference addressed the political, cultural, social, ethical, and technological dimensions of multilingualism in cyberspace, discussing topics such as multilingualism’s legal aspects, the role of the internet and media, the importance of libraries in preserving linguistic diversity, and education’s role in sustaining cultural diversity.

Key resolutions included the importance of preserving multilingualism, leveraging information and communication technologies to safeguard languages, and promoting tolerance and understanding through the dissemination of multilingual information. The conference called for increased support for digital preservation efforts, the development of relevant open-source software, and the creation of a competence center in Yakutia for the study of multilingualism. It also recommended establishing a global expert group on multilingualism in cyberspace, organizing a World Summit on Linguistic Diversity, and enhancing cooperation with international organizations to further these goals. The conference underscored the need for ongoing efforts to document, preserve, and develop minority languages using modern technology, and to integrate these languages into educational systems and digital platforms.