Digital Watch Observatory - Digital Governance in 50+ issues, 500+ actors, 5+ processes
Geneva's centuries-old traditions of dialogue, inclusion, and compromise continue to offer valuable guidance for governing AI, as explored in a Diplo interview with Executive Director Jovan Kurbalija.
An independent UN scientific panel warned that AI capabilities are advancing faster than governance, urging policymakers to act on evidence-based assessments of the technology's opportunities, risks and growing global impacts.
WSIS Forum 2026 speakers warned that AI and digital public services will only deliver inclusive benefits if countries close persistent gaps in affordable, meaningful connectivity across Africa and the wider Global South.
The inaugural UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance opened in Geneva with calls for inclusive international cooperation, common safeguards and stronger support for developing countries to ensure AI benefits all.
Speakers at the WSIS Forum 2026 called for a more impactful Internet Governance Forum, arguing that its new permanent mandate should be matched by stronger government engagement, year-round collaboration and closer links with national and regional initiatives.
Speakers at the WSIS Forum 2026 called for stronger legislative frameworks, international cooperation and practical implementation to ensure trusted, rights-based governance of health data and AI.
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WSIS+20 Process
The year 2025 marks 20 years since the finalisation of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), and a review process looking at 20 years of WSIS outcomes implementation will conclude with a high-level meeting at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), in December. This page keeps track of the process leading to the UNGA meeting in December 2025. It also provides background information about WSIS and related activities and processes since 1998.
Explore the Observatory
Digital Technologies
From internet applications to quantum computing, we focus on advanced and emerging digital technologies which are increasingly reshaping our economies and societies.
Clusters of Policy topics
We unpack digital policy by exploring over 50 topics – from access and sustainable development to network security and the future of work – classified in 7 clusters.
Processes
Follow some of the most important digital policy processes, from the EU's work on the Digital Services Act/Digital Markets Act to the UN Cybercrime Ad Hoc Committee.