6 Languages Every World Leader Must Speak (or Hear)

Losing a language means losing more than just words — it’s the loss of culture, memory, and identity. As the pace of language extinction accelerates, understanding what’s at stake becomes essential.

From the roots of globalisation to the quiet fading of ancient tongues, we uncover why languages vanish. This article shines a light on the urgent fight to preserve the world’s linguistic heritage.

The Six Official Languages of the United Nations, English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic, aren’t just tools for translation. They’re the backbone of international diplomacy, ensuring every nation’s voice is heard clearly and equally.

From peace negotiations to climate accords, these languages bridge cultural divides, prevent costly misunderstandings, and help shape the decisions that affect us all.

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Want to think in your target language instead of translating in your head? End each day with this quick routine:

Step 1: Set a timer for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Summarise your day out loud in your target language — what you did, who you saw, how you felt.
Step 3: When you get stuck, jot down the missing word or phrase and look it up immediately.

Take a simple sentence you already know in your target language — like “I like coffee” — and challenge yourself to make it more complex every day.

Day 1: I like coffee.
Day 2: I like coffee in the morning.
Day 3: I like strong coffee in the morning when it’s raining.

This builds vocabulary and grammar naturally, while showing you how minor tweaks can make your speech richer and more expressive.

Pick anything happening around you, your breakfast, a street view, or your desk, and describe it in your target language for one full minute without stopping.

Don’t worry about mistakes; focus on keeping the flow going. This trains your brain to think in the language under time pressure, just like in honest conversations.

The United Nations employs a highly skilled team of interpreters and translators who are fluent in at least three of the Six Official Languages of the United Nations: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), and Arabic

During major events like the UN General Assembly, interpreters work in soundproof booths, listening through headsets and delivering real-time translations at speeds of up to 150 words per minute.

What’s your favourite example of how language reflects culture? Share your thoughts with our community on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.