WSIS+20
WSIS+20 refers to the 20-year review process of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), a multistakeholder initiative launched in 2003–2005 to promote inclusive, development-oriented information societies. The WSIS+20 process, culminating in 2025, aims to assess progress since the original summits, address emerging challenges, and guide future digital governance efforts. It involves intergovernmental negotiations, multistakeholder consultations, and preparatory events leading up to a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level meeting scheduled for December 2025.
Context[edit | edit source]
This process is preceded by a ten-year review (WSIS+10) in 2015 reaffirmed the WSIS framework and extended the IGF's mandate. The WSIS+20 process, guided by UNGA Resolution 70/125, is designed to evaluate the implementation of WSIS outcomes over two decades, identify areas for continued focus, and integrate findings into broader initiatives like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.[1]
Meetings[edit | edit source]
The WSIS+20 process comprises several key meetings and consultations:
- Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) Consultations: The CSTD conducted regional consultations in 2024 across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and West Asia to gather stakeholder input on WSIS implementation.[2]
- CSTD 28th Session: Held from 7–11 April 2025, this session reviewed a draft report assessing WSIS outcomes over the past 20 years, incorporating inputs from various stakeholders.[3]
- WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025: Scheduled for 7–11 July 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, this event is co-hosted by the ITU and the Swiss Confederation, and co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD. It will serve as a platform to discuss WSIS achievements, challenges, and future directions.[4]
- UNGA High-Level Meeting: Planned for 16–17 December 2025, this meeting will conclude the WSIS+20 review process. It aims to adopt an outcome document reflecting on WSIS progress and aligning future efforts with sustainable development goals.[5]
Throughout the process, the UNGA President has appointed co-facilitators to lead intergovernmental consultations, ensuring inclusive participation from all stakeholders.[6]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/ares70d125_en.pdf
- ↑ https://unctad.org/topic/commission-on-science-and-technology-for-development/wsis-20-year-review
- ↑ https://unctad.org/meeting/commission-science-and-technology-development-28th-session
- ↑ https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2025/
- ↑ https://dig.watch/event/unga-wsis20
- ↑ https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/wsis20
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