Following on from the International Year of Indigenous Languages in 2019, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (International Decade) to draw global attention to the critical situation of many Indigenous Languages worldwide and to mobilise stakeholders and resources for their revitalisation and promotion.

Australia is a member of UNESCO’s Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages. Australia’s launch of the International Decade was held at the 2023 PULiiMA Indigenous Languages and Technology Conference on Larrakia Country, Darwin.

This marked the release of Voices of Country — Australia's Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032, co-authored by the International Decade of Indigenous Languages Directions Group and the Australian Government. Voices of Country provides a framework to guide Australia's participation in the International Decade and is a call to action for all stakeholders.

The NSW International Decade of Indigenous Languages Strategy

The Aboriginal Languages Trust has developed a NSW International Decade of Indigenous Languages Strategy. The Strategy aligns with the Voices of Country action plan and builds on our commitment to meet the needs of Aboriginal Languages across NSW. The NSW strategy reflects and extends on commitments made in the Aboriginal Languages Trust Strategic Plan.

This Strategy outlines measurable, community-driven commitments that the Aboriginal Languages Trust will deliver as part of the United Nations’ International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032). It reflects our continued dedication to revitalising, sustaining, and celebrating Aboriginal Languages. Through seven practical commitments, the Strategy supports long-term action that strengthens languages across NSW.

Who is this for?

This Strategy is for Aboriginal Communities, organisations, and government departments seeking to understand and engage with NSW’s response to the International Decade. It highlights how NSW is contributing to the Decade in line with NSW Aboriginal Community priorities for their Languages.