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Geneva Hosts Landmark WSIS+20 Summit on Digital Cooperation
This week, Geneva became the epicenter of global digital policy as 11,000+ participants from 169 countries gathered for the WSIS+20 High-Level Event. Co-hosted by the ITU and Switzerland, the summit reviewed two decades of progress under the UN World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and set priorities for the future.
RELATED: WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 sets stage for pivotal UN General Assembly review
Key Takeaways from WSIS+20
- Multistakeholder approach remains vital for digital governance
- WSIS principles (human rights, development, cooperation) must guide tech progress
- Global Digital Compact (GDC) will leverage WSIS & IGF for implementation
“WSIS is the blueprint for an inclusive digital society,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General
4 Priority Areas for Global Digital Development
Over 200 sessions at WSIS+20 identified critical focus areas:
1. Universal Connectivity
- Goal: Bridge the digital divide for 2.6 billion offline
- Solutions: Affordable access + digital skills for underserved communities
2. Ethical AI & Emerging Tech
- Focus: Stronger AI governance & data protection
- Priority: Safeguarding human rights & cultural diversity
3. Sustainability & Green Tech
- Integration: Climate-smart digital infrastructure
- Innovation: Energy-efficient tech solutions
4. Multistakeholder Collaboration
- Model: Governments, youth, civil society & industry co-creating solutions
- Platforms: WSIS Forum & IGF remain essential
WSIS Accelerating Vision: The Road Ahead
The summit concluded with a Chair’s Summary calling for:
- Ambitious renewal of WSIS goals
- Stronger implementation of WSIS Action Lines
- Preparation for UNGA’s WSIS+20 review (Dec 2025)
“Inclusivity and sustainability must drive our digital future” said Solly Malatsi, WSIS+20 Chair & South Africa’s Communications Minister
