Promoting multilingual education as a form of enhancing global education for all is a critical issue in the field of education. It refers to a teaching approach where students are taught in two or more languages, with the aim of providing them with the opportunity to learn multiple languages, enhancing their communication skills, and giving them a broader perspective of the world. Multilingual education has been widely recognized as an effective approach to promote cultural understanding and social inclusion, while also fostering academic achievement. However, like any policy, there are positives and negatives to multilingual education, and some countries may be hesitant to support this policy.

One of the primary benefits of multilingual education is that it promotes cultural understanding and social inclusion. Multilingual education enables students to learn about different cultures and perspectives, promoting cross-cultural communication, and helping to reduce prejudice and stereotypes. Multilingual education also helps to preserve linguistic and cultural diversity, which is critical for maintaining cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion.

Multilingual education also has positive effects on academic achievement. Studies have found that students who are taught in their mother tongue perform better in school, are more likely to complete their education, and are better able to acquire additional languages. Multilingual education also helps to improve cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. By providing students with the opportunity to learn in multiple languages, multilingual education can help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a globalized world.

Despite the benefits of multilingual education, there are also some potential drawbacks. One of the main challenges is the lack of resources and trained teachers to implement multilingual education effectively. Some countries may not have the necessary resources to provide multilingual education, which can result in students receiving inadequate language education. Moreover, it may be challenging to find teachers who are proficient in multiple languages, making it difficult to provide quality multilingual education.

Another challenge is the potential for language dominance to arise, where one language is given more priority than others. This can result in the marginalization of minority languages, which can lead to a loss of cultural identity and heritage. Moreover, some countries may not support multilingual education due to political or economic reasons. For example, some countries may view multilingual education as a threat to their national language or cultural identity, while others may not have the resources or political will to implement multilingual education effectively.

In conclusion, promoting multilingual education as a form of enhancing global education for all is a critical issue that requires careful consideration of its positives and negatives. Multilingual education has numerous benefits, including promoting cultural understanding, social inclusion, and academic achievement. However, it is also essential to address potential challenges, such as resource constraints and language dominance, to ensure that multilingual education is implemented effectively. While some countries may not support this policy due to political or economic reasons, it is essential to recognize the benefits of multilingual education and work towards implementing it where possible, to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a globalized world.

Therefore, as you begin your research, identify your country’s view on multiculturalism, diversity in education, and other social/political factors that may influence your position for this conference.