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UNESCO and ICANN Join Forces

In an innovative new agreement, UNESCO and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) have announced a partnership focused on enriching linguistic diversity online. This collaboration is aimed at making the Internet more accessible for hundreds of millions of users across the globe.

The primary objective of this agreement is to promote the secure use of additional languages and scripts within the Domain Name System (DNS) of the Internet. This encompasses the essential domain names and email addresses that facilitate online access and communication. Both organizations will work together to advocate for the universal acceptance of all domain names and email addresses, regardless of character length or language. This initiative strives to ensure that diverse languages are not only utilized but respected across different applications and devices.

Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, expressed her views on the importance of this agreement, stating, "In an increasingly digital world, it is vital to facilitate citizens' access to the Internet. Currently, only around 400 languages are fully available online, a mere fraction of the 7,000 spoken languages worldwide. This agreement enhances linguistic diversity and marks a significant step towards achieving accessible Internet for all."

Kurtis Lindqvist, President and CEO of ICANN, echoed Azoulay's sentiments, highlighting the need to bridge digital gaps and connect communities. He noted that supporting domain names in local languages and scripts, alongside their universal acceptance, is essential for fostering a diverse and multilingual online experience. "This collaboration with UNESCO reaffirms our commitment to a more unified Internet," he emphasized.

Connecting the Next Billion Users

As of now, over 5.4 billion people are regular Internet users, with an additional 2.6 billion who have yet to go online. The majority of both current and potential users communicate in their native languages and scripts. Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), which allow for the use of various languages and scripts, will significantly contribute to ensuring that everyone can harness the social and economic power of the Internet. IDNs enable users to select their preferred domain names and email addresses that resonate with their cultural and linguistic identities.

However, universal acceptance is crucial for the seamless operation of these domain names and email addresses on the Internet. Unfortunately, many software systems utilize outdated validation rules that do not accommodate all domain names, particularly those in local languages and scripts. It is imperative for organizations and stakeholders to take proactive measures to ensure their systems support universal acceptance to tap into the full potential of this initiative.

About UNESCO and ICANN

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aims to contribute to peace and security through multilateral cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information, with 194 member states and a global workforce of over 2,300 employees. The organization oversees a variety of global initiatives, including heritage sites and educational networks.

On the other hand, ICANN’s mission is to promote a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. Established in 1998, ICANN plays a crucial role in coordinating and supporting unique identifiers worldwide, ensuring that every address entered into a computer or device leads to its intended destination.

Together, UNESCO and ICANN are poised to make significant strides toward a more inclusive, linguistically diverse Internet that caters to the needs of global users.