I. Background

The International Day of Sign Languages, established by the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated annually on 23 September, aims to highlight the crucial role of sign languages in safeguarding the human rights of people with hearing impairments. This day not only raises public awareness of the contributions made by the deaf community and the challenges they face, but also actively promotes linguistic diversity and cultural inclusion.

This year, the Joint Laboratory on Artificial Intelligence in Special Education (Arab Region & China), in collaboration with ALECSO (Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization), National Engineering School of Tunisia (ENSIT), National Center for Sign Language and Braille Research, and supported by UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia as Chair of the UN Theme Group on Disability, is launching the “One World, One Love – Global Sign Language Video Call”initiative.

We sincerely invite deaf individuals, sign language interpreters, sign language educators, researchers, and all sign language users worldwide to record a short thematic video in their national sign language. All submissions will be compiled into a global digital sign language video, which will be released simultaneously on global platforms during the International Week of Deaf People 2026, in celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages on 23 September, showcasing the beauty of sign language, the bridge of communication, and the spirit of inclusion.

II. Video Recording Guidelines

Please strictly follow the sequence below. No post-editing is required; all submissions will be compiled by the organizers.

Part 1: Self-introduction (single person on camera)

• Sign in your national sign language:

  “My name is (sign name/full name), and I am from (country).”

Part 2: Theme Sign

• Sign in your national sign language:

  “Different languages, same love.”

Part 3: Freeze Frame

• Use International Sign Language to make the gesture for “love”.

• Hold the gesture for 3 seconds, look at the camera, and smile.

III. Submission Guidelines

1. Shooting Requirements:

◦ Landscape orientation (16:9)

◦ Minimum resolution: 1080p

◦ Frame from waist up, center the person, look straight at the camera

◦ Simple background, well-lit, clear audio

◦ No subtitles, special effects, or background music

◦ If no sign name is available, use finger spelling or initials

2. File Format:

◦ MP4, MOV, or AVI

◦ File naming format: Country_Name_LanguageCode (e.g., China_ZhangSan_csl.mp4)

3. Submission Methods (choose one):

Option 1: Website Upload

Visit the website https://scottwyc.github.io/signLVideoWeb/, fill in the basic information, and upload your video.

The video upload interface

Option 2: Email Submission
Send video and participant information to: smartlearning@bnu.edu.cn
Email subject format: SignLanguageCall_Country_Name
Participant information required:

◦ Name

◦ Organization (School, University, Institution...)

◦ Contact Information (Email/WeChat)

◦ Country

◦ Sign language used (e.g., Chinese Sign Language, American Sign Language...)

◦ Personal Bio (optional, within 100 words)

3. Submission Deadline：

July 31, 2026

23:59 Beijing Time (GMT+8)

IV. Copyright Notice

Submission implies authorization for non-commercial use by the organizers, including editing, compilation, multi-platform release, and public welfare promotion. Organizers will not use submissions for commercial profit. Copyright remains with the original authors.

Use your hands to share love with the world.
See you at International Week of Deaf People 2026!