All our current strategies and action plans in the area of equality and social justice consider the Welsh language within the design and delivery of policy, in the same way that 'Cymraeg 2050' should complement our social justice ambitions. In recent years, the Welsh Government has undertaken substantial action to progress equality, and some of our most notable work includes: launching the 'Advancing Gender Equality in Wales Plan' in 2020; in 2021, we established the disability rights taskforce; in 2022, I was proud to publish our 'Anti-racist Wales Action Plan'; and at the beginning of this month, the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership marked LGBTQ+ history month with the launch of the LGBTQ+ equality action plan.

The Minister for Education and the Welsh Language has repeatedly stated how Cymraeg belongs to us all, and I share his view. This is why we are taking proactive steps to strengthen the connection between 'Cymraeg 2050' and our existing work in the area of social justice. Within the anti-racist Wales action plan, we noted how, and I quote,

'We have an expansionist and inclusive vision for the Welsh language' and that it can be

'a way of uniting people from different backgrounds. Learning new languages can make us as individuals more open to other cultures'.

So, I’m pleased to reaffirm my commitment to aligning both areas of work, and will continue to work with the Minister to make this a reality.

Seeing communities come together at a time of need fills me with hope for the future. As we mark one year since the invasion of Ukraine, which caused the displacement of the Ukrainian people who could no longer live in their country, I want to share how proud I am to see how communities across Wales have welcomed Ukrainian refugees into their homes and their communities. It's important that Wales is a nation of sanctuary and continues to be. It’s heart-warming to see how families are now integrating into Welsh-speaking communities, with many reports in the media recently highlighting how Ukrainian children are learning Welsh through some of our late immersion centres. Language can be a very powerful integration tool. Projects such as Dydd Miwsig Cymru—Welsh Language Music Day—and the National Centre for Learning Welsh’s 'Croeso i Bawb' resources are important milestones in taking Cymraeg to new audiences and communities. The 'Croeso i Bawb' resource provides opportunities to introduce the Welsh language and Wales to people whose first language is not English, or who do not speak much English. This all contributes to seeing Cymraeg and Welsh culture in a different light, a light that is inclusive and welcoming.