WorldSpeak 2025 to focus on language accessibility in New York

The Canadian Language Industry Association is set to host its second annual WorldSpeak conference, highlighting innovative language accessibility through collaboration with KUDO.

On April 16, 2025, the Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA) will host its second annual WorldSpeak 2025 conference in New York City. This event, recognised as Canada’s premier global conference dedicated to translation and language services, will feature innovative language accessibility measures through a collaboration with KUDO, a leading provider of real-time multilingual solutions.

The partnership with KUDO highlights its commitment to advancing language accessibility throughout Canada, as part of a broader sponsorship agreement with CLIA. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with live presentations, panel discussions, and keynote sessions in their preferred languages, an initiative facilitated through KUDO’s cutting-edge AI speech translation technology. Participants can easily access these services by scanning a QR code with their smartphones or tablets, allowing them to select the desired language via a browser tab without the need for downloads or account creation.

Fardad Zabetian, CEO of KUDO, emphasised the importance of eliminating language barriers, stating, “At KUDO, we believe language should never be a barrier to meaningful communication and collaboration. Our partnership with CLIA and support for WorldSpeak 2025 represents a significant step in our mission to enhance language accessibility throughout Canada, and KUDO’s commitment to the Canadian market."

The conference aims to unite a diverse range of voices from the language industry, aligning with CLIA's objective of fostering dialogue around linguistic diversity. Peter Madahian, President of CLIA, conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the partnership, remarking, “WorldSpeak has always been about bringing together diverse perspectives from across the language industry. With KUDO’s innovative AI translation and captioning services, we’re taking the conference to a new level of inclusivity. Attendees will experience firsthand how advanced language technology can facilitate engagement and broader participation, exactly the kind of innovation our industry should be championing.”

Fardad Zabetian is also scheduled to take the stage, discussing “Language Accessibility in Canada” at 3:00 pm. His presentation will delve into the transformative impact of language accessibility as a crucial bridge for global communication, highlighting its essential role in the success of businesses, government entities, and communities in Canada and beyond.

The Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA) represents a comprehensive array of stakeholders in Canada's expansive language sector, including language service providers, educational institutions, technology developers, and independent professionals. The organisation is dedicated to advocating for industry standards, promoting professional development, and shaping policies to enhance linguistic diversity and accessibility within the nation.

KUDO, headquartered in New York, operates as a technology start-up that seeks to simplify multilingual communication across platforms. It boasts a formidable network of 12,000 professional language interpreters and offers innovative tools such as the Speech Translator, aimed at fostering inclusivity and efficient collaboration for organisations of all sizes on an international scale.

As WorldSpeak 2025 approaches, the integration of KUDO’s technology not only signifies a leap forward in language accessibility but also aligns with the trends of increasing inclusivity within the global communications landscape. The event promises to be a pivotal moment in showcasing the future of language services and the vital role they play in connecting diverse communities.