ACORD, eEG7, and CSIO have released a harmonized "data dictionary" for the insurance industry, completing an effort that is part of a United Nations initiative. This new data dictionary provides the technology-neutral, reusable building blocks that serve as the basis for the development of messages for all lines of insurance business.

The associations submitted this harmonized data dictionary to UN/CEFACT (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business), providing them with already agreed upon international insurance industry data elements and definitions. UN/CEFACT is creating a methodology for achieving interoperable standards within and across business sectors including the insurance, finance, transport, and healthcare sectors, among others.

"As the insurance sector continues to expand and globalize, cooperation, understanding, and communication among all trading partners, regardless of their geographic location, is essential to create a truly worldwide insurance lingua franca," said Gregory A. Maciag, president and CEO, ACORD. The dictionary is available at the ACORD website.

www.acord.org