As Yuna pointed out, blogging about UN International Days and Weeks for OLI is a unique opportunity to inform, inspire, and foster global understanding. To make your posts both impactful and engaging, here’s a practical guide to getting started — and common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Start With the Right Theme

Begin by selecting a UN International Day or Week from our curated list. Pick a theme that resonates with you and aligns with OLI’s mission of promoting translation, information access, and multilingualism, and add your name to the form, either as a writer or an editor.

2. Consider your audience

What questions might they have? What would be most helpful or interesting for them to read?

3. Do Your Research

Before writing, research the history and significance of your chosen observance. Look for recent developments, relevant statistics, and examples of OLI’s work or the broader need for language access. This ensures your post is accurate, timely, and adds value.

4. Craft Engaging Copy

• Judicious use of AI: AI tools can be helpful for brainstorming ideas or creating a first draft, but never copy content wholesale—always add your own insights, check for accuracy, and ensure your voice and perspective shine through.
• Compelling headline: Your headline is your first impression—make it clear, enticing, and informative.
• Strong introduction: Hook readers with a powerful statement, question, or story. Briefly outline what they’ll learn and why it matters.
• Clear structure: Use headings, short paragraphs, and bullet points to make your post easy to scan.
• Visuals: Incorporate images, infographics, or videos to break up text and illustrate your points.
• Personal connection: Share why the theme matters to you or OLI. Personal stories or anecdotes help build rapport and credibility.
• Link to OLI’s Mission: Highlight how language access, translation, or multilingualism play a role in the day’s theme—whether it’s International Mother Language Day, World Refugee Day, or International Literacy Day.

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don’t pick a vague or irrelevant topic: Stay focused on themes that connect clearly to OLI’s mission and your audience’s interests.
• Don’t skip research: Outdated or incorrect information can undermine trust.
• Don’t neglect SEO: Use relevant keywords and meta descriptions so your post can be found by those searching for your topic.
• Don’t forget to edit: Always proofread for grammar, clarity, and flow, even if you have an editor. Make them happy!
• Don’t publish and disappear: Promote your post on social media, and engage with readers who comment or share.

6. Always Link Back to OLI’s Core Values

Every blog post is an opportunity to show how OLI’s work in translation and multilingual communication makes a difference. Whether you’re writing about International Translation Day or World Day for Cultural Diversity, emphasise the importance of language as a bridge, not a barrier.

By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll help create a vibrant, informative, and inspiring blog that advances OLI’s mission — one post at a time.