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Multilingualism is a recognized core value and is at the basis of a United Nations culture of inclusion and respect for cultural diversity. Languages are the natural enablers for integrating diversity by challenging stereotypes or assumptions, by giving the context to other points of view, mindsets, and beliefs.

UN Secretariat Learning Strategy 2021-2025

Composed of experts in learning, language, communications and instructional design, the CDOTS Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) has a long-standing expertise in providing training. We offer a robust year-round language learning programme in the six official UN languages, a programme of online language learning licenses and communications skills courses for UN-related purposes.

The Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) is part of the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service (CDOTS) in the Department of Operational Support.

In addition to training, we also build capacities by providing open access resources for language skills development by offering solutions and services for linguistic skills development among staff. We take every opportunity to connect with the language learning community through various celebrations and events.

Capacity-Building Solutions

The LCTU partners with interested entities to provide guidance and services for new or existing language and communications programmes at local duty stations.

Specific topics include but are not limited to: implementation of the UN Language Framework in learning and/or assessment projects, awareness of the gender-inclusive guidelines, teacher recruitment, training of trainers and local language programme management.

Customized Training and Solutions

At the request of UN entities (departments, offices, divisions, special political missions, peacekeeping operations, regional commissions, Agencies, Funds and Programmes), the Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) of the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service (CDOTS) offers tailored oral and written communications skills training in all six official languages on a cost-recovery basis. We accept individual projects depending upon resource capacity and various factors, such as scope and expected impact.

Our trainings can be done on site or online in a variety of formats, including live sessions, blended/hybrid trainings and self-paced courses. In addition to training tailored to UN-specific texts and communicative contexts, we also partner with entities that request we create, design and develop specific toolkits and stand-alone content.

Once both parties agree on a customized solution, they coordinate with us during the design and development phases. To tailor training content, we collect, anonymize and adapt real text samples and productions for learning purposes.

In the delivery phase, we embrace a participant-centred approach with the aim to acknowledge and incorporate participants’ knowledge and lived experiences as novel or seasoned writers or presenters. We facilitate interactive discussions as well as summarize and guide the formation of takeaways. Upon completion, a participant satisfaction survey is issued with a report provided to the client.

Inclusive communication

Given the key role of language in shaping cultural and social attitudes, embracing the diversity within the same language and using inclusive language are powerful ways to promote respect and equality, and to eradicate bias and racism.

Gender-inclusive Use of Language

The CDOTS Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) is committed to creating a working environment that embraces equality, inclusivity and diversity in support of the System-wide Strategy on Gender Parity.

To this end, we spearheaded an inter-agency working group, composed of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management, the former Department of Management, the Department of Global Communications (formerly DPI) and UN Women, to co-create the Gender-Inclusive Language Guidelines in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish as part of a project entitled “Supporting gender equality in multilingual contexts.”

The Guidelines include three recommendations to help United Nations staff to use gender-inclusive language in any type of communication - oral or written, formal or informal, or addressed to an internal or external audience. The Toolbox contains training materials for each language, information on related training courses and a list of other relevant resources.

Language Diversity

The CDOTS Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) wholeheartedly supports the Secretariat United Against Racism: Dignity for all in our Workplace strategy to eliminate discrimination in all its forms, especially when it is due to an unreflective, unconscious use of language.

To this end, we are in the process of creating new self-study trainings for the Intermediate level UN-II and higher proficiency speakers. These self-study courses focus on unveiling the richness of a diverse range of expressions and nuances within a single language, including accents, intonation and expressions. Participants are encouraged to develop a spirit of kindness in the use of their own language and, likewise, when learning other languages.

Besides celebrating intrinsic diversity within a language, some courses focus on overcoming linguistic insecurity and discrimination to gain precision and clarity in language use. They also foster an understanding of hidden biases and discriminatory expressions in participants’ first or dominant language. We present tools and best practices in language use to recognize and eliminate discrimination in all its forms.

Customized Solutions

Activities, Events, Resources