Information Meeting on Universal Acceptance

Universal Acceptance (UA) is a fundamental principle in digital communication and internet technology that advocates for equal recognition and seamless administration of domain names and email addresses across diverse platforms and services, regardless of script, language, or character set and promotes cultural and linguistic diversity in online interactions. 

The UNESCO 2003 Recommendation concerning the Promotion and Use of Multilingualism and Universal Access to Cyberspace emphasizes the importance of multilingualism and universal access to cyberspace. It calls for equitable and affordable access to digital resources while preserving cultural and language diversity. The recommendation requests Member States to “promote appropriate partnerships in the management of domain names, including multilingual domain names”, and remove barriers to access and promote inclusivity. The Consolidated Report on the implementation by member states of the 2003 Recommendation (42 C/39) emphasizes “the renewed concern for Universal Acceptance as a vehicle to build an inclusive, connected and equitable digital world.” 

The purpose of the meeting is to raise awareness among Member States of the concept and importance of Universal Acceptance and its role in achieving the goals set out in the 2003 Recommendation concerning the Promotion and Use of Multilingualism and Universal Access to Cyberspace. And, to inform Member States on the collaboration between ICANN and UNESCO and how best can they benefit from this synergy to implement Universal Acceptance in their countries, create digital content in indigenous languages, alongside assistance in developing and adapting technologies to enhance multilingualism on the internet.