The official language of the United Nations are

The correct answer is Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Key Points

• The official languages of the United Nations are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
• These six languages are used in meetings and for all official documents of the United Nations.
• The decision to have multiple official languages reflects the UN's commitment to multilingualism and cultural diversity.
• Having these languages ensures that a broad range of member states can effectively participate in the organization's work.
• The rules of procedure for the principal organs of the United Nations, such as the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council, specify the use of these official languages.
• Interpretation and translation services are provided in these six languages for all official meetings and documents.
• This allows representatives from different linguistic backgrounds to understand and contribute to the discussions.
• The Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) within the UN Secretariat is responsible for providing these language services.
• DGACM employs a large number of interpreters, translators, editors, and other language professionals.
• These professionals work to ensure the accuracy and quality of multilingual communication within the UN system.
• The use of six official languages also helps to disseminate information about the UN's work to a global audience.
• Official documents, reports, and press releases are typically issued in all six languages.
• This ensures that people around the world can access information about the UN's activities in a language they understand.
• The selection of these six languages reflects historical, political, and geographical factors.
• English and French were among the working languages of the League of Nations, the UN's predecessor.
• Chinese, Russian, and Spanish represent significant global populations and cultural influence.
• Arabic was later added as an official language in 1973, reflecting the growing importance of the Arab world in international affairs.
• While these are the official languages, many other languages are used in specific contexts within the UN system.
• For example, field operations may use local languages for communication with communities.
• The UN also promotes multilingualism through various initiatives and campaigns, recognizing the importance of linguistic diversity for achieving its goals.
• The commitment to six official languages underscores the UN's role as a global organization that strives to be inclusive and accessible to all its member states and the people they represent.