Take Action

Opens your browser’s print dialog — choose “Save as PDF” to download.

The UN Open Source Principles

Adopted by the UN’s Digital and Technology Network in 2025, these eight commitments define what it means for an institution to take open source seriously — from how software gets built to how the people who build it are supported.

Open by Default

Make open source the standard approach for projects.

Build software

  • Secure by Design. Make security a priority in all software projects.
  • Designed for reusability. Design projects to be interoperable across various platforms and ecosystems.
  • Well documented. Provide thorough documentation for end-users, integrators and developers.
  • Sustain and scale. Support the development of solutions that meet evolving needs.

Create community

  • Foster inclusive participation. Enable and facilitate diverse and inclusive contributions.
  • RISE (recognize, incentivize, support, empower). Empower individuals and communities to actively participate.
  • Contribute back. Encourage active participation in the open source ecosystem.
Source: United Nations Open Source Principles, adopted by the UN’s Digital and Technology Network, 2025 (unite.un.org). Prepared by WeGovNYC / Sarapis as part of the campaign for New York City to formally endorse the Principles.