How do countries have conferences in the presence of so many language barriers?

Question

Is there a common language held between all countries? Does everyone have a translator or a screen documenting what is being said? Im mainly speaking in terms of in person conferences I’m very confused.

In: 2

Answer 1

In the UN, there are 5 official languages. Most diplomats speak one or two of them. It depends on which countries are meeting. Many times there is an obvious choice, like English or Mandarin.