Shakespeare at the United Nations spotlights global performances for English Language Day 2026

The United Nations Movie Society marked English Language Day 2026 with "Shakespeare at the UN," a program of prerecorded and live remarks and dramatic excerpts that framed Shakespeare’s plays as reflections on human rights, peace and shared humanity. Organizers said the Bard’s work "speaks across every border and every tongue," and emphasized theater’s role in fostering dialogue and empathy.

Event organizers acknowledged several institutional partners and guests. The program thanked His Excellency Archie Young, the United Kingdom’s permanent representative to the United Nations, and representatives from Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, co-artistic directors of the Royal Shakespeare Company, said more than half of the world’s young people encounter Shakespeare in their schooling and argued that storytelling can "help change the world." Michelle Terry, artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe, urged the audience to "take time to pause" and consider a shared humanity, citing the Artemis 2 mission and astronaut Victor Glover as a reminder of global perspective.

Josette Bushell-Mingo, principal and CEO of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, thanked the UN Movie Society and listed alumni performers contributing monologues in Chinese, French, English, Spanish and sign language. The program presented excerpts drawn from plays including The Merchant of Venice, Macbeth, Henry V, Titus Andronicus and Richard II to illuminate themes of justice, power and reconciliation. Professor Michael Dobson, director of the Shakespeare Institute, closed by linking Shakespeare’s emphasis on speech and dialogue to the United Nations’ aim of fostering peace and conversation, and noted a rise in Shakespeare performances in wartime Ukraine.

The program did not include any policy debates, motions, or votes; it focused on cultural presentation and reflection. The event concluded with musical interludes and further dramatic readings.