"A working group has been set up in January 7th, 2002 by APRIL and FSF France. The original idea is from Pierre Jarillon (ABUL president). The objective is to have Free Software classified as an intangible world cultural heritage by the UNESCO.
"Why? First you must understand it would benefit to the Free Software community, but also to humankind as a whole. Free software is not only about computer science, technique or even licenses. It deals with freedom, equality and fraternity. Freedom to copy, to study, to modify and to redistribute software or documentations. Equality, same rights for every user, without discrimination. Fraternity, because we talk about sharing and mutual help. Moreover Free Software is already part of the humankind heritage, in fact. We are trying to obtain a UNESCO recognition. The previous values are common to the Free Software community and the UNESCO.
"Now let's see what the community could expect from this recognition. First a strong support, because the UNESCO is a major organisation, with an important aura. It could give a major recognition to Free Software, and a very large diffusion. Sort of planetary promotion. Finally, it would also bring legal protection to Free Software (via the UNESCO legal services), against looming threats..."
