Table of Contents

Celebrating World Translation Day: Connecting Cultures Across Borders

Discover the history, significance, and annual theme of World Translation Day. Learn how language professionals bridge communication gaps worldwide.

World Translation Day: History, Significance & Theme

International Translation Day is observed every year on 30 September to recognize the contribution of translators and other language professionals in connecting people and nations, promoting dialogue, understanding, cooperation and peace.

Day = International Translation Day
Date = 30 September
Established by = United Nations General Assembly
Resolution = A/RES/71/288
Resolution adopted on = 24 May 2017
First UN observance = 30 September 2017
Purpose = To recognize language professionals and the importance of translation
Associated figure = St. Jerome
Jerome’s significance = Patron saint of translators
Main focus = Multilingualism, cultural diversity, dialogue and international cooperation

Theme = “Linguistic Diversity and Language Rights”
Subtitle = “The Power of Being Understood”
The 2026 theme, announced by the International Federation of Translators (FIT), highlights the role of translation, interpreting and terminology in promoting linguistic inclusion, equity and participation.
World Translation Day: History, Significance & Theme

30 September is the feast day of St. Jerome, a Christian priest and scholar traditionally regarded as the patron saint of translators.
Jerome was from north-eastern Italy.
He translated much of the Bible into Latin from Greek manuscripts of the New Testament.
He also studied Greek and Hebrew.
He died near Bethlehem on 30 September 420.
World Translation Day: History, Significance & Theme

UN documents are issued in these six official languages, while interpretation enables delegates to participate in meetings using any of the official languages.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is recognized by the UN as the most translated document, with versions in more than 500 languages

International Translation Day → 30 September
Declared by → UN General Assembly
Resolution → A/RES/71/288
Resolution adopted → 24 May 2017
Associated with → St. Jerome
Jerome → Patron saint of translators
Jerome died → 30 September 420
Main objective → Recognize the role of language professionals
Six official UN languages → Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish
Translation supports → Dialogue, understanding, cooperation, development and peace
UN official language observance → Promotes multilingualism and cultural diversity
UDHR → Translated into 500+ languages
Jerome Translation Contest → Launched in 2005
World Translation Day: History, Significance & Theme