19th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Item 7 - International decade of Indigenous languages (2022-2032).
Statement Norway
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16 July 2026
For a language to thrive, it must be actively used in everyday life. Today, this includes being seamlessly integrated into digital environments such as screens, platforms, and speech-based technologies. Younger generations, in particular, rely on digital platforms for communication. Therefore, to revitalize, preserve, and strengthen Indigenous Peoples’ languages, these languages must be fully functional and accessible in digital spaces.
Digital literacy, skills, and lifelong access to digital learning should reflect the specific social, cultural, and linguistic contexts of each society. This is essential to ensure that people of all ages and backgrounds can use the Internet meaningfully, securely, and safely, including Indigenous Peoples.
In our engagement in the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, Norway has underlined that participation in the digital society is a democratic issue. Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the technological landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges for Indigenous Peoples languages. We must act to ensure these languages are included in this development. Access to digital arenas is a prerequisite for exercising rights, participating in public life, and being heard on equal terms.
We see that Indigenous Peoples languages all over the world face many of the same challenges. Despite long-standing multilingual systems, Indigenous Peoples languages still lack sufficient access. We urge major technology companies to strengthen their efforts, in close cooperation with Indigenous communities.
Norway values collaboration through the UN International Decade of Indigenous Languages and other key forums, such as the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Thank you.