The purpose of the conference is to show, demonstrate, prove, that language – in its widest definition – is linked to and, to a large extent, is a condition, of the success of sustainable development in its political (including social, economic, etc.) incarnation.

We start from a widely recognised and adopted programme, the United Nations’ plan (Agenda 2030) towards reaching sustainable development for all nations (ie member states) which takes the form of 17 practical goals (SDGs) and we wish to inform the UN, its member states and any other states, institutions, communities and entities, that

1)      Language is linked to, and interrelated with, both the whole and its components (SD Agenda)

2)      Without taking into account language and the language dimension of human development, the Agenda for Sustainable Development will not, or will not fully, succeed (by 2030).

3)      The 17 specific goals defined by the international community to help achieve the objective are well thought out, detailed, and address crucial aspects of sustainable development, yet:

4)      Not one of these 17 goals deals with language and cultural diversity in a satisfactory way.

5)      The absence of the language dimension is a permanent handicap / impediment and must be addressed in the form of a fully dedicated mechanism (according to UN jargon), an 18th SDG which integrates entirely and comprehensively the language dimension and makes full use of it to contribute to the success of the agenda.

In other words, we may have 17 specific and, perhaps, even well designed goals, but without the 18th, perhaps the most crucial, the process is flawed. It is the role of linguists, or any other experts and advocates who deal with language, to explain and convince, to inspire and instill enthusiasm and, even, to excite creativity, with the ultimate objective of conceptualising an 18th Goal for the Sustainable Agenda.

In a departure from other FEL conferences, the thrust of  FEL XXIX will not be on threats and sources of threat (endangerment) to language (and ways to prevent and stop them) but on language itself as a potential source of both threat – if it is ignored – and solace (to sustainable development) – if it is taken into account.

Consequently, the role of the conference is to inform and warn about the earlier, and to provide material for the latter. Such material would be somewhat like supplying the ingredients for a recipe, and, in this case, the content of an 18th SDG, with concrete and achievable targets – all related to language and all strengthening sustainable development.