In a bid to propel the Internet into a new era of inclusivity, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is gearing up for the much-anticipated second annual Universal Acceptance (UA) Day. This groundbreaking event, set to take place in Belgrade, Serbia, on March 28, is a rallying cry to the global Internet community, urging them to join forces in driving a more multilingual and digitally inclusive cyberspace.
Brought to life in collaboration with the Serbian National Internet Domain Registry Foundation (RNIDS) and the volunteer-based Universal Acceptance Steering Group (UASG), UA Day 2024 promises to outshine its predecessor. With events spanning from March to May, the initiative aims to break down barriers and promote UA adoption among a diverse array of stakeholders.
The first UA Day, held in 2023, witnessed an impressive turnout, with over 9,400 participants from more than 40 countries actively engaging in over 50 global events. This year’s extravaganza builds on that success, combining virtual, in-person, and hybrid sessions tailored to various communities, including tech companies, governments, academia, and Domain Name System (DNS) industry stakeholders.
Dejan ?uki?, CEO of RNIDS, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the global UA Day event, emphasizing the importance of Universal Acceptance as a means to include, connect, and innovate. “UA Day is history in the making, and hosting this event is a privilege indeed,” he remarked.
At the heart of UA Day lies the recognition that the Internet’s future lies in the hands of the next billion users, many of whom speak and write in languages other than English. With over 5.3 billion current Internet users and an expected additional billion users in the near future, UA becomes a crucial step to ensure a globally accessible Internet experience. The goal is to empower users to navigate the digital realm using domain names and email addresses that resonate with their culture, language, and script.
Not just a lofty ideal, UA is a technical necessity that guarantees the equal usability of all domain names and email addresses, regardless of script, language, or character length. This foundational requirement is pivotal for the continued expansion of the Internet, particularly in light of the evolving landscape of domain names since 2009.
Sally Costerton, ICANN’s Interim President and CEO, stressed the critical role of global UA adoption in shaping a more inclusive Internet for the next billion people. “UA Day is a significant opportunity to mobilize the global Internet community and technical stakeholders who can help make UA a reality,” she affirmed.
As the countdown to UA Day 2024 begins, the world awaits a digital transformation that promises to bridge linguistic gaps and create a more connected and accessible Internet for all. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event! Click here to dive into the full details and join the movement towards a truly multilingual cyberspace.
