UNESCO launched its concept of Internet Universality in 2014. The concept, which was endorsed by UNESCO’s General Conference, roots the future of the Internet in four core themes, which are concerned with Rights, Openness, Accessibility to All and Multistakeholder Participation. Together these are known as the ROAM Principles.
UNESCO has developed a framework of Internet Universality indicators to assist governments and other stakeholders to assess their national Internet environments and develop policies to advance these Principles.
These indicators, which are comparable to the Media Development Indicators adopted by UNESCO in 2008, are intended for use by governments and other stakeholders (from any group or sector) in interested countries where resources can be mobilised to undertake national assessments. The aim of applying the indicators is to identify achievements and gaps within a country in relation to Internet Universality, and to make appropriate recommendations concerning policy and practice. They are not intended to rank countries in comparison with one another.