of instruction and learning outcomes" 2017: Annual theme: "Toward sustainable futures through multilingual education" 2018: Our languages, our assets. 2019: International Year of Indigenous Languages 2020: Annual theme: "Safeguarding linguistic diversity" 2021: Annual theme: "Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society" 2022: Annual theme: "Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities"| 2023: Annual theme: "Multilingual education: A necessity to transform education" Observances UNESCO chooses a theme for each International Mother Language Day, and sponsors related events at its Paris headquarters. In 2008, the International Year of Languages began on International Mother Language Day. It is celebrated in Chile, Russia, the Philippines, Egypt and Canada. Bangladesh Bangladeshis celebrate International Mother Language Day by placing flowers at the Martyrs' Monument and its replicas. A public holiday in the country since 1953, it is also known as Shohid Dibôsh (Martyr Day). On 17 November 1999, the UNESCO General Conference recognized 21 February as International Mother Language Day. Bangladeshis organize social gatherings honoring their language and culture, hold literary competitions, draw alpana on the roads, eat festive meals and listen to songs. Bangla Academy arranges Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka for the whole month of February. Canada International Mother Language Day was introduced to the Parliament of Canada for recognition by Matthew Kellway on 5 February 2014 as a private member's bill, C-573. In 2015, British Columbia and Manitoba issued proclamations observing International Mother Language Day on 21 February. Edmonton observed International Mother Language Day on 21 February 2017. Edmonton Ekushey observed by Bangladesh Heritage & Ethnic Society and Diverse Edmonton with due respect in Edmonton on 23 February 2020. India As part of Digital India initiative, digitized content will be made available in the country's 22 scheduled languages and extended to India's other 234 recognized languages. Digitization began in June 2016 through the Bharatavani Project at the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysore, and by February 2017 content in 60 Indian languages had been made available free of charge. United States The Mother Tongue Film Festival in Washington, D.C., has been held since 2017 to coincide with Mother Languages Day. United Kingdom A replica of Dhaka's Shaheed Minar was built in London in 1999 in Altab Ali Park, Whitechapel. Members of the community come here to mark International Mother Language Day by laying wreaths and singing revolutionary songs. There is also a Shaheed Minar replica in Westwood, Greater Manchester. Community