Referring in his welcome speech to the European motto 'Unity in diversity', Orban stressed that the "diversity of languages is not an obstacle, either internally, or externally in our dealings with the rest of the world", but rather "an opportunity that we can exploit".
His speech highlighted the challenges ahead:
- The "need to make businesses aware of what they can gain from investing in language training and adopting a strategic approach to multilingual communication";
- the "need to ensure that our education systems provide our young people with the language skills to make the best of the employment and trade opportunities that Europe has to offer", and;
- the "need to consider lifelong language learning, beyond formal education".
Three parallel workshops examined the importance and potential of multilingualism for businesses from a different angle – a business, language and policy approach.
Odile Quintin, director-general for education and culture, presented the workshops' main conclusions:
- English alone is insufficient as a catalyst for business. It is additional language skills - in combination with the relevant intercultural skills - that can provide a competitive edge.
- It is important to raise awareness of the importance of languages from a young age. Children's language learning should start as early as possible, and they should develop an understanding that learning foreign languages is an asset.
- It is equally important to raise awareness of the importance of languages on the business side, including small businesses.
- Interplay between these two areas should be strengthened.
- Language strategies should be included in company policy.
- A multilingualism policy at all levels is required.
