Introduction : Invitation to a Global Solidarity Endeavor

Sharing information and providing a common educational environment for all is and often-stated ideal. Language is an essential factor for this. Sharing of information among countries is a crucial part of the work of international organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, EU, and many others. These organizations are concerned about providing equal opportunities to all member states, Many nations, however, have much less opportunities to learn about the activities of the international organizations, despite the great significance of these activities for them. At present, most information materials, scientific, technical and educational, are written in English or in few other languages. While this benefits millions of people, millions more are denied access to these information materials because they do not speak the required languages.

The smoothest way to communicate with other people and obtain information and education, is in one's own mother language. Smooth communication among people with defferent language will improve mutual understanding.

For this purpose, we are introducing the UNL. UNL will provide a common communication environment for diffrent language. Furthermore, UNL will expand education and business opportunities around the world, Mutual understanding among defferent cultures is one of the ultimate goals of UNL.

The UNL of still at an early stage, but the infrastructure and the architectural design is available for a collaborative work of scholars, developers and providers from any language. The development of the UNL offers a unique opportunity for a genuine global slidarity endeavor. Our common well-defined purpose os working together for a goal tha is beneficial to all. To acieveit, depends on the vast intellectual resources available in all languages. This is an invitaion for universal win-win collaboration that meets the ideals of the UN, UNESCO, EU, and many other international organizations that care about equal opportunities for all peoples. It is a call for a global partnership for a very targeted, attainable, tangible and long-lasting communication facility.

The UNDL Foundation will provide the means to accomplish such an ambitious collaborative win-win endeavor. Starting in January 2000, the UNL esources will be made available to all those who are interested in joining the collective task. The UNL resources will be proveded free of charge. This is and invitation to undertake a collaborative research and development to offer all peoples of the world a gift for a millennium.

Hiroshi Uchida
Meiying Zhu
Tarcisio G. Della Senta
UNU/IAS

Tokyo, November 1999