Advancing Indigenous language preservation in Honduras and Central America

Recent developments include the launch of Honduras’s National Action Plan, the adoption of the Central American Language Plan, and a series of regional initiatives advancing coordination and advocacy. 

National Action Plans are key mechanisms for turning the Decade’s objectives into concrete action since they allow countries to identify national priorities and strategies that align with the Global Action Plan of the Decade.

A recent milestone is the finalization of Honduras’s National Plan for the Safeguarding of Indigenous and Afro-Honduran Languages (2025–2035). Developed through a three-year participatory process, the plan involved community consultations and linguistic assessments. It aims at promoting language preservation, intergenerational transmission, legal protection and monitoring mechanisms to ensure long-term impact.

Honduras stands as an example in the region. Other Member States are advancing their own National Action Plans, currently at different stages. El Salvador, Panama and Chile are nearing finalization, while Belize has recently joined the process. 

Since the launch of the Decade, a growing number of countries have already developed and launched their National Action Plans, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. This reflects sustained regional commitment to the Decade’s objectives.

Regional cooperation is also strengthening this momentum. The Central American Language Plan was launched on 21 February 2026, underscoring the importance of coordinated action. The event, sponsored by the Guatemalan Ministry of Culture and co-organized by the Central American Educational and Cultural Coordination (CECC) of the Central American Integration System (SICA), the Ibero-American Institute of Indigenous Languages (IIALI), the Fund for the Development of Indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean (FILAC) and UNESCO, brought together key stakeholders to reinforce regional cooperation and shared priorities. 

In celebration of International Mother Language Day (IMLD) 2026, numerous activities and webinars took place across the region throughout February and March. These were organized by FILAC and other partners demonstrating strong community engagement and growing regional coordination. Activities included online initiatives on Indigenous languages in El Salvador, Guatemala and Belize. A High-Level Forum was organized to address regional integration, preservation, cultural diplomacy and intercultural dialogue in Bogotá, Colombia. The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization also organized an online event focused on language policies and rights in the Amazon.

The United Nations General Assembly (Resolution A/RES/74/135) proclaimed 2022-2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages to raise global awareness of the urgent need to preserve, revitalize and promote Indigenous languages worldwide. UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector leads the Decade’s implementation in cooperation with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and other UN Agencies.

READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/advancing-indigenous-language-preservation-honduras-and-central-america?hub=701