WSIS High-Level Dialogue: Multistakeholder Partnerships Driving Digital Transformation

Hiroshi Yoshida

The analysis predominantly revolves around Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, which stresses on the crucial role of fostering innovation and constructing resilient infrastructure. Among the noteworthy points in the discourse was the recognition of the critical role played by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in setting definite and actionable directives for stakeholders worldwide. These globally-minded action lines have allowed stakeholders to collaborate effectively towards a unifying objective, thus considerably contributing to the success and innovation in the realm of technology.

Throughout this process, the Internet Governance Forum’s role emerged as particularly significant. It has been pivotal in shaping policies and practices around technology ecosystems, and guiding conversations on how to manage them ensuring equity and inclusivity.

The discussion brought to light the strides made in bridging the digital divide through capacity building efforts. But a striking fact remained; despite such endeavours, a staggering 2.6 billion people around the globe are still unconnected.

The necessity to introduce new technologies as a tool to diminish this digital divide was emphasised. Innovations such as mobile technology have allowed a ‘leapfrog’ effect, connecting a vast sector of the population previously untouched. Furthermore, the potential of non-terrestrial networks, designed to deliver connectivity to isolated and rural areas, proved promising in finding ways to connect the disconnected.

As the focus shifted towards the future, the upcoming WSIS+20 review in 2025 became a point of discussion. The suggestion was made that this discussion should be future-focused, keeping up to date with rapid technological developments, and also grounded in the roots and principles of the original WSIS process. This balanced attention would ensure that foundational principles and goals are not disregarded whilst keeping pace with innovation.

In summary, technology, innovation, and sustainable creation and distribution of infrastructure emerged as key agents to bridge the digital divide and achieve global connectivity. Nonetheless, the challenge of incorporating 2.6 billion unconnected individuals reiterates the continuous need for innovation and effort. Looking towards WSIS+20 review in 2025, it presents an opportunity to maintain alignment with initial principles whilst adapting effectively to rapidly evolving technological advancements.

Anriette Esterhuysen

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) provides a valuable framework that underlines the critical role of civil society organisations. Dovetailed with SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, this framework fosters cooperation amongst diverse civil society groups and governments, thereby creating a more comprehensive and inclusive approach.

Contrarily, the contemporary digital-focused paradigm is accused of majoring too much on potential harms while not sufficiently spotlighting the positive potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This imbalanced perspective deviates from WSIS’s initial focus on constructive outcomes of ICT, aligning with SDG 9 relating to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Notably, this overlooks the fact that a third of the world’s population remains unconnected, leaving them bereft of significant potential benefits.

A prevailing standpoint advocates for the repositioning of civil society’s function within the Tunis agenda. Far from confining civil society to merely a role of implementation, it should be incorporated into policy-making and accountability processes, echoing SDG 16’s ideals around Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The inclusion of civil society at this policy-making level could potentially enhance policy efficacy and accountability checks on states and other entities.

While WSIS’s framework offers enough flexibility to accommodate updates, there is a sentiment that it needs more substantive revisions to encapsulate present-day global issues. Key considerations such as climate change, financial challenges, and gender equality, in accordance with associated SDGs, warrant due attention within the scope of WSIS.

Finally, consensus points towards enhancing existing frameworks rather than introducing new ones on policy making and multistakeholder processes. This notion aligns with SDG 17’s emphasis on constructive partnerships. However, multistakeholderism appears to be seen more as a brand rather than a transformative methodology, hinting at the need for better implementation and promotion of this approach, in realisation of its genuine transformative potential.

Maria Fernanda Garza

The analysis unveils a deeply-entrenched digital divide worldwide, emphasizing the harsh reality that 2.6 billion individuals are still bereft of internet connectivity. This is particularly alarming, considering that two decades ago, the World Summits on the Information Society (WSIS) envisaged the goal of a people-centric information society. This impedes progress towards the attainment of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), casting a disheartening and negative sentiment regarding the state of internet accessibility globally.

However, the private sector’s role in easing this digital divide emerges as a beacon of hope. As pioneers in this field, private enterprises have significantly contributed to expanding meaningful connectivity and bolstering e-commerce abilities. This imparts a positive sentiment and accentuates the necessity for an environment conducive to businesses upscaling their investments unimpeded. This vital role aligns with SDG 9 and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), emphasizing the need for further private sector investment in internet access.

Moreover, the importance of unrestricted cross-border data flows for fostering digital innovation has been highlighted. Data restrictions currently in place paradoxically pose market barriers for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), fragmenting global value chains and stifling economic growth. This issue aligns intrinsically with SDG 9 and SDG 17, where partnerships and innovation are crucial for digital progression.

Lastly, the analysis hearteningly acknowledges the necessity for multi-sector stakeholder participation in policymaking. It is advocated that businesses, as key actors in the digital space, must be comprehensively consulted during the incipient stages of policy creation. This approach would, it is maintained, ensure the crafting and implementation of relevant and fair policies in line with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17.

In conclusion, the persisting digital divide is mitigated by the proactive role of the private sector, the necessity for seamless data flows, and the importance of a diverse spectrum of stakeholders engaged in crafting solid and inclusive policies.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin

The presented data affords a comprehensive overview of the crucial intersection between partnerships and digital transformation in progressive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is resoundingly illustrated that digital technologies hold the capacity to accelerate over 70% of SDG targets, backed by the instigation of an ambitious digital acceleration agenda. These implications underline a strong necessity to uphold the momentum that digital transformation has gained during the challenging pandemic period.

Nonetheless, a significant barrier in the form of a ‘digital divide’ is acknowledged. Despite considerable advancements made since 2003 in uniting people via internet connectivity, nearly one third of humanity still remains disconnected from this digital network. This stark reality points towards the remaining difficulties that need to be vanquished, in spite of gains made during the pandemic, with a laudable ‘COVID connectivity boost’ propelling an estimated 800 million individuals online.

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) emerges as a salient driver of digital cooperation. Exemplifying multistakeholder cooperation, the WSIS framework is recognised for its broad partnerships with multiple UN bodies, inclusive of UNESCO, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNU, UNSCAP, FAO, DESA, UNHCR, and OHCHR. Reflecting the need for continual progress, suggestions are made for the WSIS process to place greater emphasis on environment, finance, and gender diversity issues, thereby enhancing their collaborative effectiveness.

One integral theme recurring throughout the analysis is the vital role of youth and inclusivity within the WSIS process. Notably, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and Generation Connect stand out in successfully engaging younger individuals. This positive inclination towards greater involvement showcased by youth contributes to a balanced and future-facing outlook on the process.

There is a distinct call to fortify and expand meaningful partnerships, with an understanding that this could be key in molding a future digital framework that is inclusive, diverse, and genuinely beneficial to all societal sectors. This vision is underscored by the necessity for fortified digital trust, accentuated by universal access to affordable technology and the skills required for its utilisation.

Inclusivity, identified as central to the discourse, is consistently reiterated and advocates for inclusive systems, participation and processes across every level of the digital transformation journey. Taking a macro perspective, the discourse draws a connection to wider SDGs, cautioning against the risk of ‘siloing’ in UN endeavours.

In summary, the analysis provides a compelling case for the power of partnerships and digital transformation in propelling forward SDGs, whilst casting a spotlight on the hurdles to be overcome. To ensure that no one is left behind, the future digital landscape must be inclusive and equitable – a goal that can only be achieved through sustained effort, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships.

Umirbek Abdullaev

Umirbek Abdullaev, representing the Generation Connect programme, underscored the importance of digital inclusion and universal internet access for young people worldwide. Abdullaev’s central argument emphasises that for young people to fulfil their potential and contribute effectively globally, they must be granted full access to internet resources.

Abdullaev’s position is informed by data showing that 75% of the global youth population has internet access. However, he brings awareness to the pronounced digital divide, particularly apparent in low-income countries. This imbalance in internet accessibility acts as a hindrance to these youths, putting them at a disadvantage and limiting their ability to engage fully in a digitalised world. This calls attention to the UN’s SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, underscoring the need for digital equity and inclusion to diminish disparities and foster a balanced digital society.

In a broader context, Abdullaev advocates for more significant youth involvement in high-level discussions. He asserts that many young individuals possess innovative ideas with the potential to effect global change. However, these ideas are often stunted due to the lack of necessary internet access or digital platforms to share or realise their innovative concepts. This strongly aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, reinforcing the necessity of investing in youth and innovation for societal betterment.

Abdullaev’s perspective is presented with a positive sentiment, indicating a focus on progress, inclusivity, and equitable growth. This optimistic perspective contributes to an overarching narrative that fosters solutions, advancements, and a push for equality. Despite the obstacles presented by the digital divide, Abdullaev’s viewpoint provides a valuable outlook that champions youth involvement and their potential in driving societal transformations.

Nizar Ben Neji

The analysis accentuates the imperative call for comprehensive, modern and revised ICT legislation on a national level. Such initiatives are perceived as fundamental in fostering technological development, ensuring that emerging initiatives are not stalled by dated statutes. This point conforms to the goals of SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, underscoring the crucial function of legislative support for technological advancement and development.

Moreover, the analysis pinpoints an acute global requirement for assistance in the development of IT and telecommunication infrastructure. A host of countries worldwide are identified as needing aid in this domain. The construction of such infrastructures, according to the summary, aligns with the pursuits of SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, signifying the global breadth of these developmental necessities.

The analysis further highlights the necessity to confront the issue of digital illiteracy. It proposes an intensified effort toward spreading digital culture and awareness as cardinal. At present, digital illiteracy serves as an impediment, barring individuals from benefactoring from ICT services. This argument is in close alignment with SDG 4 – Quality Education, underscoring the closely knitted relationship between contemporary technology and education.

Another key point that emerges from the analysis is the recognition of digital content and documents. The recognition of digital content including the application of digital signatures can facilitate the establishment of strong, integrated proof systems — an important stride in decreasing inequalities (aligned with SDG 10) and advancing a peaceful and fair society (aligned with SDG 16).

Lastly, the analysis illuminates the need for legislation orientated toward ensuring the security and privacy of both software and hardware solutions. This includes imported and domestically developed solutions. The homologation and enhancement of these solutions are stressed as essential considerations. This facet of the analysis is congruent with the objectives of not just SDG 9 but also SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, underlining the importance of secure technological practices for sustainable global growth.

In conclusion, the elucidation provides a multifaceted understanding of the intersections between technology, legislation and societal needs. It identifies the essential bridges required to be built, and the role of logical, legislative and educational reforms in advancing towards a digitally balanced, innovative and secure global society. The UK spelling and grammar has been adhered to throughout this summary.

Yoshio Utsumi

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), unlike other UN summits, introduced a novel multi-stakeholder approach, thus distinguishing itself through its unique structure. The preparation of the summit was achieved by a specialised agency as opposed to the UN New York, marking a departure from traditional practices. The summit comprised two distinct phases, inclusive of an array of preparatory conferences, regional and sectoral meetings, underscoring the enormity and intricacies associated with its planning and execution. These meticulous organisation processes, despite requiring substantial time, energy and financial inputs, were necessary for the success of WSIS.

The arrangement and execution of WSIS were fraught with challenges, anchored in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) lack of resources. Further dilemmas arose from the competition between Tunisia and Switzerland for hosting rights, showcasing the immense demand tied to participation in this comprehensive event.

Despite these obstacles, WSIS saw the institution of a unified vision amongst global leaders to leverage the potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to establish a people-centred, development-orientated and inclusive information society. The summit facilitated an understanding of the capacity of ICTs to overcome traditional obstacles such as time and distance, hence enriching the lives of millions globally. This reinforced the recognition of education, knowledge, information and communication as the nucleus of human progression, shifting the paradigm towards progressive global evolution.

Corresponding with this ambition, it was agreed upon at WSIS that by 2015, more than half of the world’s inhabitants would have access to ICTs. To realise this vision, the leaders outlined 11 critical action lines. Despite this consensus, disagreements arose on the creation of a new financial mechanism for ICTs and on matters of internet governance. Nonetheless, a collective decision was made to strengthen the existing financial mechanisms.

Even with the considerable technological advancement, some concerns persist. The achievement of individual-level internet access courtesy of mobile networks far surpasses the initial WSIS objectives, spotlighting the rapid digitalisation of society. However, the ongoing existence of the digital divide is a major concern. The persistent inequality in the access and use of ICTs remains a paramount challenge, in spite of significant progress in this field.

Alongside these opportunities, the comprehensive usage of ICTs has led to the emergence of new challenges, such as issues associated with cybercrime, privacy, and a pronounced increase in election interference. The potential threats imposed by the escalation of artificial intelligence technologies have also amplified, escalating apprehension surrounding this advancement. A call for a more efficient, solution-oriented approach with sharper mandates and expert consultation has been made to proactively handle these contemporary challenges. The rapidly evolving digital landscape necessitates an innovative problem-solving approach, ensuring the safe and equitable utilisation of technology for global advancement.

Nezar Patria

This comprehensive analysis underlines the significant implications of the rapid digital revolution and the key considerations required to fully harness its benefits. It illustrates clearly how the quick adoption of emerging technologies is transforming business and influencing everyday life, thus making society more dependent on digital infrastructure. However, it also warns against potential disruptions that pose threats like disinformation and deep fake technologies, underscoring the need for robust preparation and safeguards to protect against harm and misuse.

The shift towards digital operations has revolutionised the landscape of competition, establishing new battlegrounds where businesses vie for success. This could potentially lead to inequalities and unfair advantages, especially if some participants have more resources or access to technology than others. Therefore, the analysis argues for the establishment of a level playing field to ensure fairness in the competitive dynamics of the digital transformation.

Enhancing internet security is emphasised as another key issue. The analysis signals the complex, overlapping and often conflicting interests within the internet ecosystem. To navigate these conflicts and foster a secure, balanced environment, the imperative for robust internet governance becomes crucial. Nations are urged to construct policies and mechanisms that strike a balance between diverse interests.

A fundamental shift toward prioritising local communities and promoting multi-stakeholder collaborations in the digital arena is additionally championed. The potential role of a platform, such as the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), serving as a knowledge pool, is significant to facilitate these collaborations.

Finally, the analysis endorses a shift from competition towards collaboration in the face of digital transformation. Instead of competition, digital technologies ought to be utilised as a catalyst for collaborative innovation. This viewpoint ultimately reflects positive advocacy for the development of more cooperative and mutually beneficial digital spaces.

In conclusion, this detailed analysis highlights the immense potential of the ongoing digital revolution, but not without a stark reminder of the need for proper guidelines, security measures, and a commitment to foster collaboration above competition. By doing so, we can ensure that digital transformation becomes an enabler of fair competition, secure internet usage, and inclusive collaborations that prioritise local communities and their aspirations.

Gitanjali Sah

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is poised to hold a high-level dialogue focusing on the implementation of multi-stakeholder partnerships to expedite digital transformation. This ethos has been a pivotal element of the WSIS procedure from its inception, underlining the significance and need for diverse viewpoints. Notably, the Japanese government has been instrumental in organising this particular event, thus aiding in formulating and fostering the transformative sequence.

A fundamental facet of this dialogue is the robust advocacy for active participation from all parties in the discussions and decisive planning regarding digital transformation and information society development. This democratic approach, wide-reaching in its scope, invites input not only from high-level stakeholders but also encourages grassroots level involvement. This pluralistic approach ensures that solutions are anchored in a range of experiences, thus fostering a comprehensive strategy for tackling challenges within the digital transformation sphere.

The success of these dialogues is further demonstrated through the active involvement of eminent figures, including WSIS gender trendsetters and prize winners, reflecting the wide-reaching influence and acceptance of these discussions. Partnerships with global entities like the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the UN Pension Fund further underscore the credibility and effectiveness of the WSIS initiative.

The overwhelmingly positive sentiment toward WSIS and its inclusive initiatives is further evidenced by the anticipated video message from Mr. Utsumi, the former Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). His contribution not only fortifies the credibility of the WSIS objectives but also reinforces a connection between past and ongoing initiatives, bolstering a sense of continuity and collective resolve in the quest for digital transformation.

In summary, the overwhelmingly positive sentiments towards WSIS’s multi-stakeholder method and digital transformation pursuits underscore its wide-ranging inclusivity and clear impacts. Alongside strategic partnerships and remarkable individual contributions, it provides a firm foundation for its mission of championing sustainable digital change.

Thomas Schneider

The analysis underscores the crucial importance of trust within society and the methods by which it should be nurtured. It posits that trust must be earned, not artificially created, by governments and businesses. These bodies should earn social trust by focusing principally on addressing and resolving issues faced by citizens, rather than prioritising their hold on power. Businesses should endeavour to be perceived as responsible entities, adhering to rules and norms, and behaving in a manner that aligns with societal expectations.

Significantly, the requirement for dependable and unadulterated information for citizens was underscored. The analysis emphasised the central role of an independent and efficient media system in achieving this objective. The media, inclusive of social media platforms, should operate independently without being manipulated by those wielding power. The necessity for the control and operation of such platforms to be in the hands of citizens was also stressed. Within this framework, it is suggested that individuals can make informed decisions about who they deem trustworthy.

Regarding local communities, the analysis highlights the necessity for their voices to not only be heard but to influence political decisions. The argument advocates for democratic engagement and participation, with local communities discussing and setting their own priorities. This grassroots-level engagement is viewed as vital for realising sustainable cities and communities, in alignment with UN’s SDGs.

Relative to inclusive debates on digital matters and participation in democratic processes, a supportive and positive stance was acknowledged. Explicit support was noted for the fostering of a multi-stakeholder culture, crediting organisations such as the IGF, ITU, and UNESCO as key contributors to this culture. These inclusive debates are interpreted as a means of amplifying the voices of those who may otherwise lack access to power and media, thus promoting equitable representation and active participation across heterogeneous demographics. This aligns with the notions of justice and strong institutions, integral components of the global SDGs.

Overall, these insights demand a call to action for governments, businesses, and media institutions to operate more responsibly, transparently, and inclusively. They underline the urgency of effective communication, dependable information, and community-led decision-making in the journey towards achieving the UN’s SDGs and enhancing societal trust.

Robert Opp

The forthcoming year heralds significant strides in digital discussions globally, marked notably by the advent of the global digital compact. This compact is seen as a paramount milestone on the digital front worldwide and meshes coherently with the agendas embedded in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Additionally, it intersects with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), signifying a key turning point for complex processes related to digitalisation and sustainable development.

Despite this promising trajectory, there are identifiable obstacles in the utilisation of technologies. Notably, there is an evident lack of an all-encompassing approach incorporating the government and wider society. This is glaringly reflected in the disconnected functioning of various ministries, which consistently fail to adopt a unified approach. Moreover, seamless integration amongst civil society, other stakeholders and the private sector is largely absent, impeding significant progress.

Amid these challenges, the importance of technologies employing interoperable and open systems cannot be overstated. A sound fusion of such technologies with system thinking and public infrastructure establishes a vital foundation for inclusive digital advancement. Recognising their utility, digital public infrastructure creates myriad opportunities for the private sector to stimulate innovation, while also ensuring space for civil society engagement. This notion was a central discussion point in India’s leadership at the G20 summit.

A people-centred approach to technology use is undeniably the cornerstone for meaningful digital engagement. This approach necessitates that individuals are informed about their rights and understand how to safely and effectively engage with digital connectivity. Critically, it needs to be supplemented by robust governance to ensure successful implementation. This perspective, emphasised by Robert Opp at the WSIS, reiterates the importance of human interactions with technology.

Expanding on this human-centric focus, wider viewpoints advocate for a human-centred, multi-stakeholder approach. This concept aligns confidently with SDG 17, which promotes establishing partnerships for the successful attainment of the defined goals. This standpoint not only recognises the centrality of humans in technological undertakings but also emphasises the critical role of collaboration across various stakeholders in accelerating digital endeavours.

Agnė Vaiciukevičiūtė

Lithuania is staunchly advocating for robust digital collaboration on a global stage, voicing robust support for the implementation of a multi-stakeholder model to achieve these objectives. The proven efficacy of such an approach is exemplified by its successful employment in the arena of legislation adoption within the European Union.

A tangible expression of the impact of this approach is visible in Ukraine’s circumstance, which demonstrates resilience against pressure, thanks to the formation of powerful alliances and partnerships. In addition to these examples, Lithuania underscored the effectual initiative by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ‘Partner to Connect’, which has been instrumental in advancing digital transformation worldwide.

Underlining the fundamental prerequisites for successful collaboration, Lithuania stressed the paramount importance of a coherent long-term vision, alongside the setting of common goals and the establishment of clear governance structures. In their perspective, these factors are more than desirable – they are absolutely essential for meaningful and effective collaboration.

However, despite the positive advocacy for digital collaboration, Lithuania voiced considerable concerns about the possible amplification of digital exclusion and the deepening digital divide. With the continuous development of emergent technologies, like artificial intelligence, there is a latent risk of unintended exclusion of certain segments of the population. Potential digital gaps could exacerbate disparities between urban and rural populations, among young and old, across genders, religions, regions and countries, and between ethnic groups.

In response to these encroaching challenges, the delegates espoused the imperative need for global cooperation. They underscored the great import of sharing experiences and learning from various global counterparts. The EU’s transparent process of legislation adoption, which involves all stakeholders, was acknowledged as a laudable model of inclusive governance, which could serve as a superior benchmark in maximising the efficiency and inclusivity of digital collaboration.

Gitanjali Sah:
We can see that our audiences are now joining in. I think the meeting in the other room has finished, so thank you for your patience, and we’d like to start the session now. So this WSIS high-level dialogue will focus on multi-stakeholder partnerships driving digital transformation, and multi-stakeholderism has been at the heart of the WSIS process since its inception. I see many familiar faces. It’s really nice to be with the WSIS family, and the IGF and the WSIS forum are always occasions to get together, to renew our vows, and to work together to make sure that we are building an inclusive knowledge and information societies. So I see our WSIS gender trendsetters here. Welcome. I see several prize winners. You’re doing a great job at the grassroot level. It’s so nice to see you, Balzoor, our friend from Bangladesh, many others. Also our UN partners, FAO, UN Pension Fund, and so many of you here. So thank you very much for joining us today. Also a big thank you to the Japanese government for organizing this and for actually helping us materialize this session, which we had in mind since a long time. So thank you very much, sir, for making this possible. While we are waiting for our Secretary General, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, maybe we will move on to the video message by Mr. Utsumi, who was the former Secretary General of ITU. He was very excited about this session, but unfortunately could not join us today due to some reasons. So if I’d like to please invite the logistics team to play Mr. Utsumi’s video. Thank you very much.

Yoshio Utsumi:
Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen, it’s a great honor for me to give a speech at this I organized two phases of the World Summit on the Information Society, this is, in Geneva and in Tunis, as the Secretary General of the Summit. The Summit was originally proposed by Tunisia at the ITU-Kyoto Plenipotentiary Conference in 1994, just three decades ago here in this conference hall. It was only one year after CERN had released WWW for commercial use and only a limited number of people had started using the Internet. Therefore the proposal was quite abrupt and awkward to most people, so the Plenipotentiary Conference couldn’t make a decision on this proposal. By the way, I was the chairman of this plenipotentiary conference. Four years later, I was elected as the Secretary General of ITU. At that time, many people had started using the Internet and ICTs had become a key for the business activities. I thought it is a good timing for world leaders to discuss the potential of ICTs. Therefore I recommended the ITU Council to hold the Summit, although I had strongly hesitated because no specialized agencies had succeeded in organizing a UN Summit. It was too heavy a responsibility for ITU. But the Council, without studying much, easily accepted my proposal. The preparation of this was extremely difficult and challenging because ITU had no resources for it. Furthermore, Tunisia and Switzerland competed to host the summit, and each of them insisted its hospitality. It took many months to obtain a compromise, which was a unique summit of two phases. I thank Tunisian and Swiss governments for their strong support for the summit. WSIS was very different from other UN summits. First, it was organized by a specialized agency, not by UN New York. I am very proud of the fact that WSIS is only one UN successful summit organized by a specialized agency. Second, it had two phases with many preparatory conferences and regional and sectoral meetings. Third, it introduced a multi-stakeholder approach for the first time in UN summits. These three unique features have shaped all the WSIS process and post-WSIS activities even today. I think they come from the very nature of the Information Society itself. First of all, it was quite technical. Therefore, ITU, a specialized agency that dealt with ICTs, initiated the process. Second, the Information Society is a comprehensive arena where everyone is included. Therefore, a multi-stakeholder approach was taken and every UN organization was involved. And last but not least, the Information Society was quite a new concept. that not all people shared at that time. The multi-stakeholder approach could guarantee the participation of all the players that make up the information society. The two phases with a tremendous number of preparatory meetings could make people share a common concept of the information society, could enlighten world leaders about the importance of ICTs, and could make them commit to building the information society. A small specialized agency, ITU, requested other UN agencies to participate in the process, which facilitated the creation of an implementation mechanism. It was this heavy, complicated organization that could make possible the success of WSIS. However, it led to inefficiencies and it required lots of time, energy, and money. The first phase of the summit achieved a common understanding of the key principles that will determine our ability to harness the potential of ICTs. World leaders shared the vision of a people-centered, development-oriented, and inclusive information society where everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. They recognized that education, knowledge, information, and communication are at the core of human progress, endeavor, and well-being. They recognized further… ICTs have an immense impact on virtually all aspects of our lives. The rapid progress of these technologies opens completely new opportunities to attain higher levels of development. The capacity of these technologies to reduce many traditional obstacles, especially those of time and distance, for the first time in history, makes it possible to use them for the benefit of millions of people in all corners of the world. The agreements in Geneva were numerous, but the essence was as follows. Recognizing the importance of ICTs, the world leaders ensured that by 2015, more than half of the world’s inhabitants have access to ICTs within their reach. Connect villages with ICTs and establish community access points. To that end, 11 action lines were identified. The outcome of CINIS was that the world leaders reaffirmed their agreement in Geneva and renewed their commitment to building the information society. And they confirmed that much stakeholder implementation should be organized, taking into account the 11 action lines in the Geneva Plan of Action, and should be moderated or facilitated by UN agencies. They offered a list of facilitators or moderators. They agreed that ITU, UNESCO, and UNDP should play leading facilitating roles. They agreed to enhance the existing financial mechanism for the ICTs, but they couldn’t agree to establish a new one. Concerning issues on how the Internet should be governed, they couldn’t agree and decided to continue to discuss it

Gitanjali Sah:
through a newly created forum, the Internet Governance Forum. Two decades have passed since then. We all look forward to seeing ICTs open new opportunities. Are we now in the world we envisioned? I think that the WSIS goal to connect people to the Internet by 2015 has been achieved. At WSIS, we implicitly imagined that we would be connected by optical fiber. However, thanks to technological progress, mobile networks have realized the access to the Internet down to the individual level, surpassing the WSIS goals, such as connecting villages. Therefore, as far as the connectivity is concerned, we can say that we have realized the WSIS goals. Of course, I know ITU, Her Excellency Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, is working hard to help people left behind. The issue of the digital divide is still a big challenge. The driving force that made African leaders commit to building the Information Society at NISIS was a hope that, with the help of ICTs, developing countries left behind could deep-throat development. This potential for ICTs to achieve their hope was reaffirmed at the 2015 SDG Summit, and big progress has been made since then. Yet poverty and turmoil remain. We must work hard to make the best use of the potential of ICTs for the higher levels of development. It is also difficult to say that other basic principles confirmed at NISIS, such as freedom of speech and free flow of information, have been fully realized. In more specific domains, such as digital divide, capacity buildings, security, and cybercrimes, much progress has been made thanks to the effort of the facilitators and stakeholders. However, there remain many issues to be solved. As a whole, I don’t think that we have realized the commitment of NISIS to build the Information Society. Furthermore, many new problems, not anticipated at that time, have arisen, such as smartphone addiction, fake news, and election interference. As ICTs have been being used heavily for intelligence activities and weapons, the scenery of modern battlefields has completely changed. And recently, the rapid development of AI is becoming a menace to humans. AI is a double-edged sword. While we may get many benefits from it, some critics say that it may damage human creativity and could lead to the destruction of mankind. Once humanity has enjoyed the benefit of ICTs, it cannot live without them. Their problems are complex, diverse and global. Some of them we have discussed for more than 20 years and we understand the issues quite well. But others are very new. Humanity has never experienced them before and they cannot be easily solved by one government or international organization alone. For new challenges such as generative AI like CHAT-GPT, on which we do not share a common understanding,

Yoshio Utsumi:
I believe we should make the best use of the multi-stakeholder approach so that each stakeholder can share the nature of the issues and participate in the problem-solving efforts. On the other hand, for issues such as cybercrimes, privacy protection and security, where problems have become clear, we should avoid open-ended, fruitless discussion. Although we have been tackling these areas for years in various ways, we should take a more in-depth approach. effective organized approach that is focused on program solving. Relevant organizations should work intensively with clearer mandates and qualified experts. They are expected to play a greater role. We have already experienced for 20 years the mechanism for the post-visis effort. I think it is time for us to review them in terms of efficiency in accordance with the nature of the issues. Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to conclude my speech by expressing my belief that with our efforts the commitment made by world leaders that this is a bearing fruit and we will soon see a people-centered, development-oriented and inclusive information society in which everyone has the means to express their ideas and be heard. Thank you very much.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you, Otsumi-san. We really miss you here today. We wish you could have been with us. That was a wonderful video that took us through all the memories and the entire timeline. So you can see that the spirit, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with us because the spirit of cooperation and multi-stakeholderism which was the heart of the VISIS discussions even at that time, it still remains. So thank you very much and participants just to let you know that Otsumi-san has made this video on his own. So that was an incredible effort. So thank you very much Otsumi-san for all your dedication towards this session. I’d like to remind you that we also have remote participation. So there are many VISIS stakeholders who have joined us remotely today. So thank you very much. For some it’s really early and for some very late but they are all there due to their commitment towards the process. Without any further delay, I’d like to invite our Secretary General, the Secretary General of ITU, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin to please provide her keynote and opening remarks.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin:
Thank you. Thank you, Gitanjali. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for being here and special thanks to the government of Japan who is co-leading this session today. It’s kind of a tall order to follow, Mr. Otsumi. I loved those photos. It was sort of a walk down memory lane as many of us in this room can remember. Of course we haven’t aged since then, right, Henriette? But it was really a nice recap of what happened and how and why. Also good to get his sense of actually what what we have achieved. So I’m happy to be part of this session today which focuses on something that is really important to me, one of my kind of key priorities, which is partnerships. And of course it’s about multi-stakeholder partnerships to actually drive digital transformation. So look forward to hearing from our brilliant panelists. I have just come from another session looking to the future of the WSIS process and it kind of ended with where I think we’re sort of picking up here, which is the interlinkages between the WSIS and of course the SDGs. And I think the goal for all of us is that we achieve that 2030 agenda. We achieve those 17 goals and we know that the 2030 agenda is not on track and we believe that leveraging the WSIS process, leveraging the IGF community, leveraging digital technologies, we can achieve those SDGs. Rob and I were together in New York a couple of weeks ago where we launched our SDG digital acceleration agenda where we demonstrated that 70% of the targets can be accelerated if you actually use digital technologies. So I hope we can get into that today. We of course are at that halfway point as the DSG of the UN said repeatedly throughout the high-level week. It’s halftime. We have to win it in the second half and of course it’s going to take all hands on deck to actually win it. And to win it we need strong multi-stakeholder partnerships. When we look of course at those SDGs they do carry the hopes They carry the dreams, the rights, and the expectations of people everywhere. And I think that’s, that’s really what happens, that, that will, that’s what we’re up against if we don’t get the SDGs back on, back on track. And I think with, with our work here today, we can make progress. I think it’s fair to say that the WSIS has been a sort of hotbed of collaboration, collaboration that brings together governments, UN organizations, other international organizations, the private sector, academia, and of course civil society. Each year at the WSIS Forum, we celebrate great achievements. We have our WSIS prizes, which is always something very exciting for us. And Catangeli has the, the leadership in that process. And we, we see sort of firsthand how technologies can empower women and girls, how technologies can help connect those rural villages, how the latest breakthroughs in AI can help to detect breast cancer, and of course, much, much more. And I think it, it really shows the power of digital to impact lives of people and livelihoods. So again, I think 2030 is our litmus test and failure, I think for all of us, is not an option. So I urge you to roll up your sleeves, work with us, let’s partner, let’s get it done. Join us next year, where we’re going to be back to back with AI for Good at the WSIS Forum. And I’ll let Catangeli share more details about that later in the session. Thank you. Thank you very much, Doreen. Yes, indeed, we look forward to welcoming all of you from the 27 to 31st of May in Geneva for the WSIS Plus 20 Forum High-Level Event, which will be held in the same week as the AI for Good Summit as well, which Doreen had mentioned. So. Now we’ll move on to our panel discussion. We have a multi-stakeholder panel to give us different perspectives. We’ve divided it into two parts because we wanted to include as many voices as possible. So the first question to this panel would be around the topic of identifying achievements and gaps in the implementation of the WSIS process in these 20 years, the WSIS action lines, in particular for achieving the sustainable development goals and developing a common vision for the future beyond 2025. So Doreen, I’d like to invite you to provide a context around this and then we’ll move on to the panelists. Thank you. So if I look to achievements, I think we can kind of proudly say that, okay, only a third of humanity is not connected. So we’ve made a lot of progress since 2003, but that only third of humanity is also a gap that we must address. I think it’s also when we look to this issue, let’s keep in mind what happened during the pandemic. I think the pandemic put digital technologies on the top of everyone’s agenda. The pandemic is behind us, hopefully for good. But let’s remember those lessons and let’s keep digital at the top of agendas. And because of the pandemic, we actually had in the course of one year, we call it the COVID connectivity boost, we had 800 million actually come online during that period. That never would have happened. So we don’t like to say thanks to the pandemic, but we recognize because connectivity was a sort of lifeline, it happened. So let’s put that urgency in our work so that we can actually get out there and connect those unconnected. Thank you.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you, Doreen, for setting the scene for this topic. And I’d like to first invite Excellency Mr. Hiroshi Yoshida, Vice Minister Japan, who is the co-organizer of this event as well. Mr. Yoshida, in your opinion, what have we achieved and what are the real challenges and gaps that we really need to focus on?

Hiroshi Yoshida:
Thank you, Gitanjali. I’m very happy to join you here. And first of all, I would like to welcome you to Kyoto and it is a very great season. Unfortunately, today it is raining, but I think you can enjoy the very beautiful scenery and traditional city of Kyoto. Having said that, yes, regarding WSIS, I think that one of the significant features of WSIS is the point that they set the WSIS action line. Of course, we know that WSIS action that we all know now, but at that time, everyone didn’t know what we should do. And we knew at that time what we should do, not just at that time, but in the mid-term and long-term. So that every stakeholder all over the world knew what issues we should challenge and what is the goal we should aim at. And so every stakeholder made actions from, of course, the process are different and the way of doing it is different, but everyone has the same common goal. That is a very important point. And so as Mr. Utsun mentioned, so there are many achievements, including building, I’m sorry, bridging digital divide or capacity building. And so improving of application or services. And so that in that process, this IGF forum has played an important role and for multi-stakeholder discussion. And so that I believe that IGF had enlightened with this process and we, so we have up to now made a great achievement. On the other hand, it is often pointed out that still 2.6 billion people remain unconnected. And so every country, every stakeholder, also ITU had very hard work, had made very hard work to achieve this issue, achieve this goal to tackle digital divide, but it still remained. And so what we should do now is to introduce new technology. As you know, mobile technology allowed leapfrog for many countries to let people connect it. And also we have other technologies, including a non-terrestrial network, and those technologies can be an effective way to connect in the rural areas. And so that we should not hesitate to introduce new technology. So we are going to have WSIS Plus 20 review in 2025, and so it was very important to know what was discussed in the very beginning of this WSIS process, thanks to Mr. Utsumi. So we should take the background of what is a starting point in our mind, but of course we should look forward so that technology is advancing, changing very, very rapidly in this field. So introducing those new technologies, we should still go further to achieve this WSIS Action Line. Thank you very much.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you very much, Yoshida-san, and also for reminding us about the WSIS Action Line frameworks of the 11 Action Lines that still remain a very important framework for global digital cooperation. Thank you very much. We’d now like to move on to Excellency Mr. Nezar Ben Neji, he’s the Minister of Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies, Tunisia. Everybody knows that Tunisia had the vision of the WSIS process and initiated it by a proposal in the ITU’s plenipotentiary in 1998, and this is how we are sitting here today. So thank you very much for the role that Tunisia has played in the process. So Minister, what are the specific actions that we still need to take to achieve the WSIS goals, and what are the main role of the governments all around to increase confidence and security in the use of ICTs? Over to you.

Nizar Ben Neji:
First of all, good afternoon everyone. Thank you for these two questions, and I would like also to thank the Japanese government for the hospitality and for the good organization of this event. I’m really happy to be with you in this session. Regarding the specific actions, I think we need at the end of the day, we need to be prepared for the future. I think we need to be prepared for the future. So, we need to have a global effort in order to reduce disparities, especially in the use and in the development of the IT and the ICT in general, and we have several levels, and we can say several factors of disparities. The first one is about the ICT legislation, so we need to have a complete, modern, coherent, and up-to-date ICT legislation. So, we need to have a complete, modern, and up-to-date ICT legislation, and we need to have a complete, modern, and up-to-date ICT legislation at national level in each country, in order at the beginning, in order to well-develop the ICT sector, and also in order to not block the new initiatives, and to not block the new forms of technological development. So, we need major efforts in order to update our ICT infrastructure, and also, we need to have a complete, modern, and up-to-date ICT infrastructure, and also, we need to have a complete, modern, and up-to-date ICT infrastructure in order to not block the new initiatives. The second level of the disparities is about the development of the network IT and telecom infrastructure. So, in many countries around the world, they don’t have a good education where to teach and how to use the ICT services, and they don’t have a good education where to teach and how to use the ICT services, so we need to help countries to, in order to well-develop their IT and telecom infrastructure, and the third level, or the third point, is about the digital illiteracy, so, regarding the digital illiteracy, so, this is mainly the inability of people to benefit from the ICT services, and in many countries around the world, the need to have a complete, modern, and up-to-date infrastructure is very, very high. So, we need to teach people how to use smartphones, how to use Internet, how to benefit from the ICT services in general. So, I think we at this moment need major effort in order to address these three challenges, so we need to update the ICT legislation for each country, to not have these disparities in the ICT space, but also, we need to teach people how to use the ICT services in order to have a complete, modern, and up-to-date infrastructure, and to benefit from all kinds of types of connections, wireless satellite connections, and also, we need to spread the digital culture, and also, we need to teach the digital skills for everyone. And regarding the second question about confidence and trust about ICT and in the digital space, I think we need to have two levels of confidence that we need to build and we need to set in place. The first one, we need to first one, we need to recognise at the beginning, the digital content, the digital documents, so we need to have the legislation and the legal framework to recognise, for example, the electronic transaction, the electronic invoices, the electronic identifications. And we need to build also, all of this to be able to ensure that we have strong integrated proofs like digital signatures or internet of thing that can be belong to the weak people, so we need to have confidence that everybody will be responding to the issue. And then for the third one, we need to We need to have a legal framework for the implementation of the software and hardware solutions. We need to have a legal framework for, like, for example, time stamping, and, at the third level, for example, we need to have a legal framework for homologation and for the technical improvement of the software and hardware solutions either imported or developed locally at the national level. And also, we need, at the national level, also, we need to have a legal framework for the implementation of the software and hardware solutions. We need to have a legal framework for, like, especially the cloud service providers. For example, in Tunisia, we have recently set in place a lab link framework in order to give two types of labels, G cloud label and N cloud label in order to organise the hosting capabilities, the hosting services at the national level. Also, we need to think about trust at the network level, because we need to consider always trust when we select a product or a service, and also, we need to have a legal framework in order to protect the security of the electronic services. And also, we have the digital services or the electronic services, so we need to have specific legislation for each sector, for e-health, for telemedicine, for e-commerce, e-gov, and also, we need to protect the consumers of the electronic services, and we need to set in place, also, a legal framework in order to periodically control the security of the electronic services, and also, we need to have a legal framework for every single sector. We also need to have a legal framework for the computer emergency response teams, and, in case of cybercriminality, we need the legal framework for the incriminations of the cyberattacks and for the sanctions and for the digital investigation.

Gitanjali Sah:
So we need a stack of rules and a stack of operators to intervene at each level in order to build trust from the beginning to the end, and also, we need to have a legal framework in order to protect the security of the electronic services. Thank you. Thank you very much, Excellency. We look forward to working closely with Tunisia in the review process, and we do know that you’ll be a strong voice in the vision beyond 2025 as well, so thank you very much for your guidance and your vision. We’d now like to invite Mr. Rizvi, who is the CEO of WSIS, to present his thoughts on how we as a GDP implement the WSIS process in coordination with more than 32 U.N. agencies. So, Rob, it’s a pleasure to have you here in our panel. So my questions to you would be that what are the key priorities for us for WSIS beyond 2025, and how can we ensure that WSIS remains relevant and impactful in the world at large? I’ll turn to you, Rob.

Robert Opp:
Thanks, Gitanjali. And it’s a pleasure to be here. Despite the jet lag, so I’m going to do my best to be articulate if I can. I think your second question, which is how do we ensure WSIS stays relevant, I think Dorene, you spoke to this a bit already. I think the key to relevance is to make sure that we’re aligned with the global processes that are going on right now. We have a big year coming up for digital discussions. The global digital compact as part of the summit for the future is a major milestone for the world when it comes to digital. And the SDGs at the midway point represent an important inflection point for how we need to accelerate with using ICTs and digital technologies. And I think that is something that’s really important to us, because we’re all supporting and driving the way WSIS has been doing over the last two decades. I think in terms of priorities, I would make a few observations, maybe a little bit more general in nature based on our experience as UNDP as we encounter and dialogue with our 170 partner countries, many of them on the other side of the world. And I think that is something that we need to be very careful about when it comes to the use of technologies in countries themselves. So ministries will be very fragmented between each other. There’s a lack of a whole of government approach. There’s not always a lot of whole of society thinking. Civil society and other stakeholders and private sector are not well integrated. And so what we at UNDP try to do is support our countries in providing the best possible solutions to their problems. And I think that is something that’s really important. We’re all moving from solutions to solutions. So it’s really moving from solutions to systems or in the case of digital ecosystems. And I think that is also important for this second issue that I would flag, which is we’re starting to see the importance of truly interoperable and open systems and open technologies in the world. And I think that’s something that we need to be very careful about. And I think that’s something that’s due in part to India’s recent leadership in the G20 on this issue. And it’s kind of evolving the concept that has been at work in a number of countries over the last decade or so at least where countries have been realizing that the right combination of technologies with the right interoperability, the right systems thinking, and the right public infrastructure is really important for us to be able to really bring down the kind of infrastructure, the sort of digital roads and bridges, and for the private sector to be able to innovate on top of that. Also leaving the roads open for civil society and others to participate. So we really think that this interoperability, this openness, the notion behind digital public infrastructure is another issue that I think we can take forward in the WSIS community. And I think that’s something that we need to be very careful about. And I think that’s something that we need to really double down on the people-centered approach. We must understand how ‑‑ I think the original action lines paid attention to some of the issues around the information society and potential negative effects. And I think disturbingly don’t like to refer people, don’t like to refer people! Okay! On the borders, particularly, we need to bring technologies, machines and commands that are really quite negative for humanity so we need to understand that everything we do with technology has to be accompanied by the right governance and the right people-centered approaches. This includes, for example, the safeguards that need to be in place. This includes, for example, the non-governmental systems that are available to the public and the private sector. This includes, for example, where the work that we do with technology is people-centered, unless people are really actively able to engage, they understand what their rights are, they understand how to engage safely and meaningfully with the connectivity and the government systems and the societal systems that are available. I’ll leave it there. Thanks.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you. I would like to thank all of you for being here. I would also like to thank the APNIC component, which we have been talking about also in the SDG digital, it was highlighted by ITU and UNDP. Thank you very much. I would now like to move on to Anirudh, the senior adviser on Internet governance, policy, advocacy and strategic planning, APC, association for progressive communication. I would like to ask you, Anirudh, to tell us a little bit about your role in bringing the voice of civil society into the process, right, since its inception, bringing the voice of civil society into the process whenever needed. So, Anirudh, my questions to you would be, again, what are some key achievements in your opinion that the framework of the WSIS action lines have brought in the past 20 years? Of course, the gaps, and you had a very good presentation on that, and I would like to ask you, Anirudh, how do you look at that also, the GDC and the WSIS process moving together? Over to you.

Anriette Esterhuysen:
Thanks, Gitanjali. I really think the importance of the WSIS actually strikes me year after year, and I think it just shows you how often one feels that a process that you’ve invested in might not have achieved enough once member has left. I think in the case of WSIS, it has proven to really endure, and that’s why I think, you know, what Robert and others have said about updating it. I think why it’s so important and why it provided a good framework, even though not all the goals have been met, Gitanjali, is that it combines overarching principles, people-centred. I absolutely agree with Robert on that. It’s one of the strengths of the WSIS, human rights, and then the principles of participation, and I don’t think we’ve had anything else that has actually been as strong on bringing those overarching principles together, and then it combines them with the action lines, and therefore, it creates a framework when you as civil society are collaborating with government or holding governments accountable. Sometimes governments update policies in ways that are not so good, and that’s the role of civil society. WSIS creates a framework where you can actually engage in a specific field such as access to health, public health, agriculture and food security, media freedom, at a very specific level, e-governance as well, while also putting on the table considerations around the rule of law, respect for human rights, and inclusion, and I think there are very few frameworks, even within the UN system, that brings civil and political rights as well as social and economic development and economic, social, and cultural rights together. And for civil society, which is immensely diverse, that’s the strength of civil society, that it’s so diverse, that also then creates a framework where you can have a very wide and diverse range of civil society organizations participate. I think the other strength really has been that it was focused on the positive potential of ICTs, and I’m not saying that we should not consider harms. Mr. Utsumi said that, others have said that, but I think we’ve now moved into a paradigm that is not only not people-centered, it’s digital-centered, but it’s also overly concerned with the harms and less with the potential, and this is particularly problematic because, as Doreen said, a third of the world are not yet connected, and of those that are connected, many do not have meaningful connectivity. I mean, I think just in terms of civil society participation, Gitanjali, I would agree that, and you asked about gender, I think there is a need to rethink one thing in the Tunis agenda, and that’s in their respective roles and responsibilities. I think there was a vision within the Tunis agenda that came not from member states, which reduced the role of civil society very much to being a partner in implementation, not necessarily a partner in policy-making and shaping. I think civil society’s role also needs to be at the level of policy-making, and then, of course, at the level of holding states and other actors accountable for human rights, but also in implementation. So I think if we look at the future of the WSIS follow-up and monitoring paradigm, let’s look at one where there’s these different roles in different contexts, depending what’s at stake, and can be accommodated from the different stakeholders. I think updating the content is necessary. I think it can be done. I think climate change is extremely important. I think financing and gender, and I think the WSIS framework gives us the granularity to be able to update it without having to come up with a brand new framework, in the same way that as Doreen pointed out in the earlier session, it really harmonized very well with the SDG framework. I think the GDC, the Global Digital Compact, I also see it actually reflected within the WSIS. I think the WSIS gives us a strong, both at the level of broad principle and specific frameworks. And then I think, finally, I would just say that, you know, as we take this forward, let’s work with the WSIS Forum, let’s work with the IGF, the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, UNDP, bring UNDP even more into the process, bring the Office of the Commission into the process. So this strong family of UN agencies that have been driving versus, I think, could benefit from bringing more UN agencies into the table. I think the working with the G20 process on digital public infrastructure is also an incredible opportunity, as Robert said. And I think that we ultimately, and this will be my last comment, I think for civil society as well, and for member states, let’s not reinvent our forums, our processes, let’s improve, let’s build on what we’ve achieved in terms of models for collaborative policy making and implementation. And I think what I would like to see most is to really use this notion of the WSIS principle of participation, of multi-stakeholder participation, as a mechanism for deepening and including more actors and doing it more effectively, rather than as a brand. I think too frequently these days, multi-stakeholder has become a brand, rather than an approach which has transformative potential. Thank you, Annarette, and we really appreciate your support. We’d like

Gitanjali Sah:
to invite the panelists of the first round to please join the audience, and the panelists of the second round to please join us. Please do bring your nameplates, and request Secretary General to stay back with us. Please do not leave, panelists from the first round, because we will come back to you at the end. So please take a seat. Also recognizing the so many civil society activists and partners here in our session today, which highlights the relevance of the process among civil society members. So thank you so much for being here with us. So while we are waiting for the second round of our speakers to join us, I’d like to invite, of course, Doreen to please provide a context and set the stage. the context of this group. In this group, we are going to focus on strengthening digital cooperation. So, of course, multi-stakeholder cooperation, global partnerships, and creating an accessible and equitable digital landscape for all, leaving no one behind. Amrubek, please join us here. You can take the seat. Our youth envoy, Amrubek, from Kyrgyzstan, please join us here. Okay, so thank you very much for accommodating this change. And we’d like to start with the Vice Minister of Indonesia. Oh, sorry. Yes, okay. Please go ahead. Oh, jeez.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin:
Thank you. Thank you. So I was asked to just say a few words in terms of context setting. And actually, I think, Anriet, you said it better probably than I can. WSIS is digital cooperation in action, I would say. And as you were alluding in the whole panel before, we don’t really need to reinvent it because there’s a framework there that we can build upon, maybe picking up again, Anriet, if we were to add in environment, finance, more gender. I mean, there are things I think that we can improve. And it is a process, yes, that’s multi-stakeholder, but it’s also very much a working as one UN process. Of course, close ties with UNESCO, with UNCTAD, with UNDP. We also have, I think in the room, our friends from UNU. We have UNSCAP here. We have FAO. Of course, DESA. We are working also very closely with UNHCR, OHCHR. And I think those partnerships we will strengthen as we look to the future of WSIS, WSIS plus 20. And of course, we work closely with the co-facilitators for the GDC. And thank you also for being here. And I think it’s important also to consider we do cover a range of issues, so be it from healthy aging in the digital era, which is more and more of an issue, to looking at digital service design, tech entrepreneurship for women and youth, and here I just want to commend the IGF because you do such a great job in getting young people, as I commend the ITU Generation Connect young person who’s here, but I think that’s really important, especially as we look to the future, the future process, the future framework that we recognize, and we do include young people, because at the end we want to ensure that no matter what their age, their gender, their economic means, or location, that we want to bring the benefits of technology to everyone, everywhere. I think our task, what we would love to hear from from this panel, is how we can find new, maybe, or more creative means so that we can double down, we heard from the previous panel, we do have to to double down to make these meaningful partnerships and to ensure that no one is left behind. We want to ensure that the WSIS process, of course, is closely synced up with the GDC, the Summit of the Futures, and ultimately to shape a digital future that’s meaningful, that’s accessible. Rob, you mentioned the skills piece, I think that’s a fundamental piece that we need to strengthen, and of course that it’s affordable, trusted, and that we can access local content, which is something that’s also come across in some of the sessions today. Back to you, Gitanjali. Thank you, Doreen, for setting the scene.

Gitanjali Sah:
I’ll move first to our Deputy Minister from Indonesia, and Indonesia is really record-breaking entries to the WSIS prizes every year. Thank you so much for that, for galvanizing action in Indonesia. So many that it’s always very difficult for the action line experts to decide on the different winners. So thank you so much for bringing the local action into the process and for showcasing them every year at the WSIS Forum and the WSIS Prizes. So sir, my question again to you would be, where do you see this process going? What are the specific actions that need to be taken to ensure that everybody can benefit from the digital revolution? And how can we ensure that digital collaboration and partnerships prioritize needs and aspiration of local communities? Over to you, sir.

Nezar Patria:
Thank you, Gitanjali and Doreen. I would like to extend my appreciation to the Government of Japan for hosting IGF in this beautiful city, Kyoto. The choosing of the present IGF theme is not just timely, but also accurate in depicting our current internet solution and configuring the situations today. With the growth of the internet usage, our maturity, our perception and our desire in responding internet has grown as well. So depending on who you are, where you are, when you start to use internet, your dream and vision on the internet will differ. However, such difference must not set us apart. To achieve such dream, allow me to address the questions on what are the specific actions that need to be taken to ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of the digital revolution. The actions that we need to take in Indonesia’s views are first the need to prepare our society for the future disruption as the result of the emerging technology. With rapid adoption of technology in business, we will see a lot of impact of the emerging technology in our daily life, not only from the threat of harmful contents such as disinformation, deep fake technologies that enable child pornography, but also from the economic side such as disruption of conventional business model to online model, until the danger of losing jobs to working automations. The second aspect involves establishing a level playing field within the nations. As digital transformation has risen to create the creation of a new competition ground, local and international players compete for market dominance within a country. Unfortunately, this dynamic often results in unfair competitions. While many see business competition as a normal thing, I firmly believe that the advent of digital technologies should be harnessed as a potential catalyst for fostering collaborative innovation that benefit all people instead in the frame of competitions. I come to the third point that this condition should be enabled for governance to support the interoperability of internet utilizations. With the current complex dynamic within the internet ecosystem marked by conflicting interests among stakeholders, it is imperative for countries to establish governance that is able to balance the diverse interests in technology utilizations to foster a conducive, secure, and mutually beneficial internet environment. And for the second question, how can we ensure that digital collaborations and partnerships prioritize the needs and aspirations of local communities and avoid imposing one-size-fits-all? The answer, in Indonesia’s opinion, lies on the collaboration between different stakeholders facilitated by a specific platform acting as the pool of knowledge and the knowledge resource for policies and governance related to digital issues at multilateral level, which we see in IGF could play such important role. However, we cannot stop there. Such platform must also optimize its unique feature as the platform for stakeholders to brainstorm policies and approaches that are tangible and impacting the society positively. Indonesia believes only through cooperation we can solidify our position, especially on digital Internet realms. Let’s work together hand in hand to enable collaboration that brings us closer to achieve the Internet that we want, an Internet that brings us a better life, not just for us, but for the next generation to come. Thank you very much.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you very much, sir. I’d like to now bring in Ms Agne, Excellency Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transport and Communications Lithuania. Thank you for being here with us, ma’am. So my first question is how can we strengthen digital cooperation and global partnership among stakeholders, and what are the challenges and opportunities in your opinion to create this equitable and easy-to-access digital landscape for all? Thank you very much.

Agnė Vaiciukevičiūtė:
Good afternoon, everyone. Congratulations for Japanese government, for IGF, for creating such an amazing opportunity for us to be here, and of course for Secretary General Edwin Bogdan and ITU for raising those very important and timely questions, I would say, at the moment. So I would like to share with you several aspects from Lithuanian side. And, first of all, I would say that we fully support current multi-stakeholder model when digital collaboration is based on truly cooperative approach. This is the model that worked well so far, and we are proponents of evolution in post-2025 with this process, and not revolution. The word partnerships is instrumental here, as it was mentioned many times before today. Strong partnerships help to Ukraine sustaining against the aggressors. Strong partnerships help implementing number of digital projects, such as Team Europe initiatives, and this is the way how Global North could and should help to reduce and close digital gaps in Global South. Another example which I would like to mention and which comes into my mind in this regard is the ITU’s initiative, Partner to Connect. There were over 200 pledges, which altogether will definitely make a huge impact towards meaningful connectivity and digital transformation globally. Another example I would like to mention is from the European Union perspective. We know very well how multi-stakeholder approach works in the EU. It takes months, if not years, to adopt any piece of legislation, starting from impact assessments, public consultation, commission proposals, and all other procedures. All these stakeholders play, or could eventually play, an important role in the process. Therefore, we trust our legislation as it is based on the strong involvement of all the parties concerned, and therefore we see big potential in sharing our experiences with our partners across the globe. Looking upon challenges and opportunities in this regard, I would like to mention how it is crucial to identify long-term vision and common goals, and ensure that all stakeholders share a common understanding of the goals and objectives of the collaboration and the vision itself. This alignment is essential for success. Clear governance should also be mentioned. It is necessary to define roles, responsibilities and decision-making processes within the collaboration. It seems we are on the verge of reshuffles, so we need to take into account our experience and lessons learned. This is our strength. And one very important challenge from my perspective is possible digital gaps we need to avoid. Urban versus rural population, young versus old, gender divide, religion, regions, countries, ethnicities. Digital inclusion should be sustainable to about digital exclusion. And with new emerging technologies such as AI, it is rather easy to leave someone even unintentionally. We should think always and have this in mind and listen and consult others as many as we can.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you very much, Excellency. We’d now like to invite Ambassador Thomas Schneider, Ambassador and Director of International Affairs of COM Switzerland. Ambassador Switzerland has also played a very important role. Geneva Plan of Action was adopted in Geneva that provides the framework for the WSIS Action Lines. So what are your impressions, Ambassador? How have we done? We did hear today that we are not all that bad. We are working together to provide a safe environment for a digitally inclusive society. However, what can we do better? And what’s your vision for the co-hosted WSIS Plus 20

Thomas Schneider:
High-Level Event we are doing next year together? Ambassador. Thank you, Gitanjali , and welcome all. I’m very happy to be here. I’m also very happy to have seen Mr. Utsumi because we were working very closely together with him 20 years ago. when we were actually at this stage in October, we were to like one and a half months before a world summit with tens of thousands of participants and also some high level people like presidents and others. So it was quite a lot of work back then. And yeah, there are some fruits that we, there’s some trees that we planted there and there’s some fruits that we can build on. With regard to two points that you highlighted in your question, the one is how to build trust and the other one is how to integrate and prioritize the needs on aspirations of local communities. I’ll try and give you some views on both because they are actually closely linked. First on the notion of trust, often we hear like titles of paragraphs in papers and in concepts and strategies about fostering trust. And in my experience, trust is something that cannot necessarily be fostered, it needs to be earned. We can maybe foster trustworthiness if we look at ourselves as government or industry representatives because if we act trustworthy, then people actually tend to trust us. So we should act and work on ourselves mutually. And of course, different stakeholders need to earn trust in different ways according to the different roles that we have. As governments or government representatives or politicians that are above people like me, for instance, we should try to actually do what the people want, focus on solving problems for our citizens, for our people and not necessarily concentrate on staying in power and pursuing our own goals as politicians, but actually, yeah, trying to listen to the needs of the people and help them to get what they need. Unfortunately, nowadays, we often witness actually that the latter is the case and this does not necessarily add to building trust in political systems. With businesses, it’s actually something like same, same but different. Businesses, they want the trust of their consumers so that they buy the products. And also they need, of course, trust of society that they are perceived as good actors acting responsibly, being competitors in markets, but sticking to rules. not damaging environment, not damaging people, etc. So also there businesses try to be seen in a good light by the consumers, by society, and yeah this is why we have notions like corporate social responsibility or the new version of it that includes the environment which is now called ESG that you already know all probably. So politicians spend a lot of energy to be seen in a positive light by the public as so do businesses in the hope that that will give them trust or make them trustworthy. And so this is where we come to the importance of a functioning and independent media system because people need tools to decide who they trust. So they need information that is reliable that they can then themselves decide who is trustworthy and who is not trustworthy. And of course the development of the media and social media has given everybody lots of ways to express opinions, to influence other people’s opinions, and this is why it is so important that we do have, no matter what the current latest version of media technologies, that we do have media that are not manipulated by those in power but actually in the hands of the citizens and that allows citizens to enable themselves to decide who they will be trusting. So this is something that brings me to the second point about the local needs because also there you need to have ways to communicate needs. So first of all people that live together on local level, they need to have processes that allows them to identify their needs, to discuss their needs, to set the priorities themselves. For this again you also need a public sphere where this discussion is possible. Then they need to have ways to make their voices heard. Again, you need processes. Then they need to have ways that their voices are not just listened to, but actually followed, that this is turned into political decisions. And from somebody that is coming from a country where we have something called direct democracy, where we do not just elect politicians once every four years and then are subject to whatever they do, but we are invited to vote on all kinds of substantive issues several times a year. The answer to how to make sure that decision makers actually follow local priorities and local needs is very simple, through inclusion and participation. Inclusion in debates, in discussions, in finding out, in identifying needs, and then participation in political decisions through participatory democracy models. And again, of course, need spaces to discuss this on all levels. So coming to inclusion, we think, and this is one of the definitely, let’s say fruits of the WSIS, is that in particular through this forum, this forum is one important channel to give voices to people that otherwise may not have access to be heard from all over the world. So this is a global opportunity for people to make their voices heard from all stakeholders. So inclusivity is something, of course, that is at the core of the IGF, and at the same time, it’s not just at the core of the IGF, it’s also at the core of the institutions that were drivers of the WSIS process, i.e. in particular the ITU and UNESCO. Both institutions have elaborated through the WSIS a very intensive multi-stakeholder culture and inclusive debate in many of their processes, and both institutions are leaders to me in fostering inclusive debates on digital issues. each of them in their own competencies that try to make all the voices heard. And let me close with this, that given that the UN General Assembly, which is a purely intergovernmental structure, will take the final decisions about what is going to happen in the UN overall after the WSIS Plus 20 review at the end of 2025, it is even more important that institutions like the IGF, but also institutions like the ITU, UNESCO and all other bodies that think it is important to include all voices in their deliberations and in the policy guidance that they develop to include these voices. And so this is why we of course support and are very happy to be a key driver in the WSIS Plus 20 process, in particular in this one event that you highlighted, the next year’s WSIS Plus 20 High Level Forum in Geneva, because we want to support all those that try to give a voice to all those needs, all the people, not just the ones that normally have access to power and to media. So this is why we strongly support the WSIS Plus 20 process led by the UN, in particular by the ITU and UNESCO. Thank you very much.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you, Ambassador Schneider, and thank you for your dynamic leadership and also guidance to all of us in this WSIS Plus 20 review process and the vision beyond 2025. I’d now like to move on to Ms. Maria Fernanda Grazia, Chief of the International Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations on your appointment, ma’am, and welcome to the WSIS family. So ICC was one of the main business voices in the WSIS process right since its inception. They have been supporting us to bring in the voices of business in each of the WSIS forums, the IGF, and the different consultation processes that we hold. So thank you very much for that, ma’am. And how do you think we can work better to make the process more inclusive, to bring the attention of the private sector to the WSIS processes, to the UN processes like the WSIS-1 that actually impact the private sector? And also, you being the focal point for WSIS over 20 years, how do you see the landscape evolving over the years? And what are the ambitions of the private sector? Back to you.

Maria Fernanda Garza:
million businesses in over 170 countries. I would like to thank the government of Japan for hosting us and the ITU, Doreen, and all your team for organizing this panel. As you mentioned, ICC was the focal business input in the World Summit on the Information Society in 2035 and continues to observe and provide inputs on behalf of global businesses in the Wisest Follow processes. And 20 years ago this process envisioned the development of global people-centered information society where everyone can truly benefit from the enormous opportunities the Internet, information, communication technologies, and digital transformation has to offer. This was a vision not only for the governance of the Internet but for harnessing its unique potential for inclusive and sustainable growth, helping populations everywhere to develop and thrive. Wisest also made it clear that we have a shared responsibility in shaping the inclusive information society jointly cooperating across all stakeholders groups and find meaningful solutions to common challenges. As it has been mentioned, we have come a long way since 2003, but our greatest challenge still remains 2.6 billion people still unconnected. And we all know that it takes more than access to the Internet to fully benefit from the opportunities it offers. An interoperable ICT ecosystem is crucial to offer truly meaningful connectivity that also includes access to services and relevant content available in local languages and the skills and capabilities to transform information into a reality. actionable knowledge. Governments alone cannot meet the investment needs and implementation challenges of expanding meaningful connectivity and with it e-commerce capability. The private sector has been a pioneer and a partner in bridging this gap and to continue an upscale business investment and enabling environment is fundamental. It is important that policymakers understand how the private sector makes investment decisions as well as how political and regulatory decisions impact the technical functioning of the infrastructure or service. An enabling environment is not a catchphrase or an euphemism for the regulation or relaxing of tax systems or consumer safeguards rules. It is substantially much more than that. Ultimately an enabling environment is one that stimulates the necessary investment in a way that results in sustainable facility or service over time. This means a few things must be in place. First, a stable legal and regulatory environment that welcomes new entrants and recognizes ongoing development, values new forms of competitions, access to stable finance sources and rates that enable a sustainable return and effectively promotes the common goals of digital transformation through educations and skilling. Second, open markets and free flows of data across borders. Digital innovation could be crippled without cross-border data flows. Fragmentation and increased complexity caused by restrictions significantly complicate global value chains creating burdens and market barriers, particularly for SMEs. And third, holistic whole-of-government approach to policymaking. Policies should take into account the multi-layered nature of the digital ecosystems and consider economic, technical, socio-cultural, and overarching governance factors. And last, but probably most importantly, a multi-stakeholder participation. Close cooperation with business and other stakeholders is beneficial to ensure that implemented policies pave the way for them to maximize opportunities while addressing issues that are relevant locally, respecting local culture and social norms. An enabling environment facilitates public-private partnerships in implementation of projects, but also considers the views of those required to implement policies from the first moments of policy creation. At ICC, we work with both the public and the private sector to create such enabling environments, ensure strong and meaningful dialogues, and promote open and inclusive digital cooperation for the prosperity of people and planet.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you. Thank you very much, Maria. And now for our special guest, the ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoy. He’s come all the way from Kyrgyzstan, Omer Bek. There was actually a competition amongst the youth envoys, and he won the competition to be represented here. So, Omer Bek, congratulations. And what role do you see of the youth in the whole process of digital cooperation, ensuring inclusiveness and accessibility for young people all around the world? What are your views, and what’s the voice of the youth in this regard?

Umirbek Abdullaev:
Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I’m a little bit worried right now, and happy to be here. Thank you very much for such kind of opportunity. Let me introduce myself. My name is Omer Bek. I’m from Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz Republic. Today, I’m here to represent Global Generation Connect program. Generation Connect is all about young people like me, like you, like us, who use technology to change the world. As we know today, 75% of all young people in the world have access to the Internet. But at the same time, we should understand that in some parts of the world, for example, in low-income countries, as many people, they don’t have access to the Internet. And today, I think Young Generation Connect We are solving this problem, I mean problem with Internet, with connection, and first of all, I want to say that we should give chance, we should give opportunity to young generation to participate, for example, such kind of high-level discussion and such kind of conference, and as we know, a lot of people, a lot of young people, they don’t have access to the Internet, but at the same time, they have really, really good ideas to change the world, and I want to encourage you to give a chance to young generation to realize their ideas, and also participate in such kind of conference, and yeah, the last one, I’m a little bit confused, just thank you for the opportunity, and yeah, thank you. Thank you, Amrebek, and thank

Gitanjali Sah:
you for also delivering your talk in English. You were not very comfortable, but you managed, and you did a great job. Thank you so much. Okay, so we’d now like to, first of all, give a big hand to the audience. Thank you all for being here and for participating. And we have two minutes. So very, very quick, I’d like to go through all the panelists just to say in one sentence what they encapsulated as the vision for us, and what does WSIS mean to them. Just one sentence, panelists, please. Is there a mic there? Maybe we can start with Rob.

Robert Opp:
Thanks, Gitanjali. One sentence, maybe just a phrase, people-centered and multi-partnered. So I echo so human-centered approach and the multi-stakeholder approach. Thank you.

Anriette Esterhuysen:
And connecting communities.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you, Anne-Marie, Ambassador Schneider.

Thomas Schneider:
Cooperation so that no one is left behind.

Maria Fernanda Garza:
Universal and inclusive.

Agnė Vaiciukevičiūtė:
Clear vision and balanced governance.

Nezar Patria:
Collaboration for a better world.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin:
Can I make it a long sentence? Like so much to say. So I’m going to say inclusion. And what I mean is like inclusive access. I think inclusive frameworks and a whole of government, whole of society. Inclusive participation, picking up on Thomas’s point. And I think also inclusive processes, like avoiding the risk of siloing this from other UN processes, I think is so, so important. So inclusion and inclusivity.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you, Doreen. And with that, we close this session. Thank you very much for joining us today. We will continue the discussion in the open consultation process meeting on the 11th. So that will give you an opportunity to interact with us. So we are not going to talk on the 11th, but we’re going to listen to you. So please be there and look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much. Thank you.