SVG is the accepted vector graphic format for the web. We need a way to be able to specify platform-independent fonts for environments such as the web where there are no specific fonts that are universaly available. SVG does this with the font-family style property:

https://www.w3schools.com/cssref/pr_font_font-family.asp

The Inkscape vector graphics editor offers a font-selector where you can choose either a specific font or a generic font-family like "serif", "sans-serif", "monospace", etc. The request is for Illustrator to offer a similar feature.

See also here:
https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator/how-do-i-set-the-font-family-to-quot-sans-serif-quot/m-p/11017751