UNESCO, ICANN, ISOC co-launch Arabic glossary on Internet governance

The UNESCO, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Society (ISOC) are finalizing a framework to establish an Arabic glossary of Internet governance terms to support engagement in multi-stakeholder Internet governance processes by Arabic-speaking communities. Participation of all stakeholder and geographical communities is essential for a healthy and vibarant Internet ecosystem, according to a statement by the UNESCO. Evidence shows that speakers of languages where Internet terminology does not exist tend to be increasingly disadvantaged in everyday conversation and professional settings, as well as in being able to participate actively in Internet governance processes. Internet governance sees a constant and rapid introduction of new terms and concepts. This new glossary will help ensure that Arabic-speakers have the necessary language tools to fully participate in and contribute to multi-stakeholder policy-making processes on various platforms, including the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) and Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The partners in this project seek to provide methodological assistance to Arabic-speaking countries and communities - particularly national and regional professional organizations working in the field of language policy development and Internet governance. The project will be a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders, and will also include a public consultation. As an open, inclusive and fully multi-stakeholder process, the next step will be a call for national and regional professional organizations in the field of language policies, experts on Internet governance issues and any other volunteer experts to join efforts and consult on the development of terms for the glossary.