This year, the International Federation of Translators (FIT) has chosen the theme ‘A world without barriers’ to celebrate International Translation Day on 30 September, the feast of St Jerome, with translators, terminologists and interpreters worldwide. With this theme, FIT wishes to emphasise ‘the role of language professionals in building culture, understanding and lasting peace’.

The essential role played by language professionals in fostering understanding between diverse cultures is reflected in the fact that the UN is the world’s largest employer of translators, interpreters, editors and other language experts. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which is available in more than 500 languages and holds the Guinness World Record as the most translated document, also bears witness to this role.

Advances in artificial intelligence and language technologies have undeniably and profoundly transformed the work of translators in recent years, and one may be led to believe that the future of language professionals is uncertain. However, the need for intercultural mediators in a globalised world is stronger than ever. Therefore, combining the expertise of linguists with technological advances holds a promising future for the translation profession.

Our 24 in-house language teams and external language service providers embrace the challenges of the profession every day to deliver high-quality translations to our 70 clients, helping to overcome language barriers in our multicultural Europe. Congratulations and many thanks to all of them for their efforts and dedication!