UNL stands for "Universal Networking Language Programme", an electronic language that enables communication between different native languages. It is a system of "enconverter" and "deconverter" software that will reside on the Internet, and will be compatible with standard network servers. Any person with access to the Internet will be able to "enconvert" text from a range of native languages into UNL. Just as easily, any UNL text can be "deconverted" from UNL into native languages.

The UNL would bring potential benefits to individuals, government and non-government organizations across all linguistic barriers. It is envisaged, that it would be helpful to many millions of people and in different situations. It may become a powerful instrument to promote networking around the world (thus alleviating the isolation of scholars in developing countries) as well as supporting the development of the "virtual university" which will enhance access to knowledge. For the UN in general, for UNESCO and other multilateral organizations, it has enormous potential as a tool to foster dialogue among nations and for the promotion of peace, culture, cooperation and development.

The Internet holds promise of access to information to all people, but the evolution of English as the de facto standard language of the Internet, limits access to the percentage of the world's population that reads and writes English. Thus while the information barrier has been practically overcome by Internet the language barrier - the Babel Tower syndrome - remained to be vanquished. The complete fulfillment of the bright promise brought about by the contemporary networking facilities, is hindered by language barriers which continue to prevent worldwide communication. By allowing people to participate in global information exchange in their native languages, the UNL can fulfill the promise of the Internet.