What began in 1988 as a standard for character encoding has grown into a powerful portfolio of open source standards, code, tools, libraries, and products that ensure global language support, interoperability, and resiliency across billions of devices.
Behind what most take for granted on screens today is the Unicode Consortium, the non- profit open source, open standards body for the internationalization of software and services. Unicode is embedded in every major operating system and used on more than 20 billion devices worldwide. It may be the most widely deployed technology ever.
🔧 Unicode Is Essential to the Global Tech Stack.
Today’s digital economy spans the globe. A traveler books a flight in Swahili. A payment
system processes addresses in Hindi. Commerce engines, databases, and websites support names, currencies, and text in hundreds of languages—from English to Japanese —thanks to Unicode. It provides the foundation for internationalization and the architecture for localization.
🚀 Unicode Accelerates Time to Market.
Building software and services with Unicode by design powers global-ready software and
services. Organizations using Unicode libraries and architecture reduce development time and scale faster. What once took months or years to support new languages and locales now takes days. Unicode ensures users around the world can access digital content in their native scripts in ways they expect.
💰 Unicode Reduces Engineering Costs.
Millions of hours have been invested by top engineers, academics, linguists, and program
managers from around the world to build, maintain, and grow Unicode. By contributing and collaborating, their organizations avoid duplicating effort – and deliver better experiences for end users.
🌍 Unicode is a Force Multiplier for Digital Inclusion.
Through its Digitally Disadvantaged Languages, Keyboards, and Adopt-a-Character
initiatives, Unicode empowers communities to bring under-resourced languages online, fostering inclusion and participation in the digital world.
📈 Unicode Makes a Difference – Because We Work Together.
As a non-profit, Unicode relies on its members, donors, and volunteers to expand and support this essential global public utility for your organization – and the greater good. Learn how you can contribute at
home.unicode.org or contact us at
info@unicode.org.
Unicode Consortium Quick Facts
- Global public utility
- Founded in 1988, incorporated in 1991
- Public benefit, 501(c)3 non-profit organization
- Open source standards, data, and joint software development
- Orchestrates the contributions of 100s of professionals, expert volunteers, and language experts
- Supported by organizational members across corporate, academic, and governmental institutions
- Funded by membership and donations
Core Operating Principles
- Local solutions require global collaboration
- Interoperability across platforms serves you – and the greater good
- Transparency and open source ensure: Reliability — Security — Stability
- Localization respects and empowers users
We Invite You to Get Involved!
Join us at the 3rd Annual Unicode Technology Workshop from November 11-13, 2025
Check Out the Technical Quick Start Guide
Follow Us on YouTube and LinkedIn
Become a Member
Adopt-a-Character
Donate Now
Sign Up for the Latest News and Updates
Have an Idea for an Emoji? Submit a Proposal! (Open from April-July)
Thank our Members for their Support and Contributions!
![[Unicode]](https://www.unicode.org/webscripts/logo60s2.gif){kind=small}
