WSIS+20: A Step Forward, But Implementation Is Key
The recently adoptedhigh‑level document on the twenty‑year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) reflects compromise, but also important progress. From the end‑user perspective, several outcomes stand out as wins.
The vision of a people‑centred, inclusive, development‑oriented information society has been reaffirmed, alongside the principle of multistakeholder cooperation and stronger international collaboration. Most notably, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has been granted a permanent mandate, with sustainable funding for its secretariat. This ensures continuity, enhances intersessional work, support to national and regional initiatives, and broadens participation. A structured government dialogue with multistakeholder engagement represents a pragmatic compromise on state involvement.
Other measures welcomed by end-users include continuation of the WSIS Forum and aligning WSIS action lines with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Digital Compact (GDC). Closing the digital divide has rightly been identified as the top priority—covering connectivity, affordability, skills, multilingualism, cultural diversity, gender equality, human rights, and enabling policy environments. The emphasis on fair digital development, technology transfer, and environmental sustainability, including energy use and e‑waste management, is particularly relevant for everyday users.
Human rights commitments have been reinforced, with clear emphasis on protecting rights online, safeguarding against harms, and promoting media freedom, privacy, and freedom of expression. Capacity development, financing, digital skills, and AI expertise are recognised as essential, with ITU and the UN AI Working Group tasked with assessments and programme design.
Yet, the real challenge lies ahead: ensuring implementation is genuinely inclusive, and that end-users especially in the Global South, have a meaningful voice in shaping the digital future.
Upcoming engagement opportunities:
- APrIGF WSIS+20 Webinar: Beyond the WSIS+20 Review: Charting the Path Forward for the Asia-Pacific Region in Digital Development, 28 January 2026 at 04:00 UTC – Sign up form: Registration for APrIGF WSIS+20 Webinar: Beyond the WSIS+20 Review: Charting the Path Forward for the Asia-Pacific Region in Digital Development
- World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026, 6-10 July 2026
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