Our Story
The Open Language Initiative (OLI) works to make language a bridge, not a barrier. From humanitarian translation to promoting multilingualism, OLI’s vision is to unite and include people worldwide.
Chapter 1
In early 2025, seven professionals driven by a shared passion for people, languages, and the planet joined forces from across the globe to launch the Open Language Initiative. With expertise spanning humanitarian aid, human rights, education, business, translation, and tech, they set out to do more than just support vulnerable people and places – they aimed to change how the world thinks about language.
Starting with their deep roots in humanitarian translation, the team quickly expanded its mission. Now, they champion language learning, celebrate businesses, individuals, and children breaking language barriers, and highlight the power of multilingualism to unite and include. From planning an international cookbook to campaigning for an International Day of Multilingualism, their projects are as bold as their vision. The journey has only just begun, but the Open Language Initiative is already on a mission to make language a bridge, not a barrier, for everyone.