10/08/2026
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of languages. But who decides how those languages are represented, used and protected?
For Indigenous languages, the answer must be Indigenous communities themselves.
That is why UNESCO, together with with The GovLab (New York University) and Microsoft, is launching the Indigenous Language Data Commons Incubator — a six-month, Indigenous-led programme supporting communities to develop projects that strengthen Indigenous data sovereignty and community governance over language data.
As AI increasingly relies on digital language resources, ensuring Indigenous communities lead the stewardship of their own language data is essential to safeguarding linguistic diversity, cultural knowledge and rights.
Applications are now open for Indigenous-led teams to receive mentorship, technical guidance and peer learning to help transform promising ideas into practical, fundable initiatives.
🗓️ Applications close on 14 August 2026.
As we mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, this initiative is a reminder that the future of AI must also be a future where Indigenous languages, knowledge and communities can thrive.
Learn more and apply: https://unes.co/bitcjd
