Romanization is the process of converting writing from a non-Roman writing system into the Roman script. When romanization follows a systematic and scientific method, it promotes standardization, ensuring that different users of a romanization system produce the same romanized forms. The UN Group of Experts on Geographical Names has recognised the importance of romanization since the beginning and the Working Group on Romanization Systems was established by Resolution 9 of the First United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names in 1967. Its basic mandate consists of considering and reaching agreement on a single romanization system for geographical names proposed by a donor country.

The process of adoption of such a system by the United Nations involves the following prerequisites:

• Romanization systems must be based on sound scientific principles and demonstrably implemented by the proposing country. Systems must also ensure an acceptable degree of reversibility of the system.
• There must be sufficient time for appropriate consultations on technical matters between the proposer, Working Group members and potential users.
• After the consultation process, the new system is submitted to the UNGEGN plenary session in the form of a draft decision, and once approved, is transmitted to ECOSOC for adoption. Once the resolution is adopted, the system becomes a UN standard.

Learn more about the Working Group on Romanization Systems here: https://unstats.un.org/unsd/ungegn/working_groups/wg5.cshtml