High-Level Track Facilitators Summary and Certificates

Valeria Betancourt argued that as the world looks towards WSIS 2035, the emphasis must move beyond simply expanding connectivity to ensuring that digital access translates into meaningful impact. Persistent digital divides continue to exclude rural communities, small island developing states, and vulnerable populations from equitable participation in the digital economy. New priorities include building resilient, future-ready infrastructure and revitalising universal service funds through innovative financing and effective governance.

She highlighted that significant progress has been made in connectivity, yet persistent digital divides remain, particularly affecting rural communities, small island developing states, and vulnerable populations . Concrete examples included the use of universal telecommunication service funds to expand broadband access, equip institutions, build digital skills, and foster innovation in underserved communities . Key challenges identified included uneven infrastructure deployment, financing gaps, regulatory capacity constraints, and disparities in digital opportunities .

Valeria Betancourt argued that the WSIS Plus 20 review process, converging with the Global Digital Compact, offers a significant opportunity to harmonise efforts across national, regional, and global levels. This alignment should leverage international standards processes to embed inclusion, safety, and human rights into digital infrastructure by design. These priorities directly advance WSIS Action Lines C2 and C11.

She stated that the WSIS Plus 20 process and its convergence with the Global Digital Compact present a major opportunity to align national, regional, and global efforts while leveraging international standards processes to embed inclusion, safety, and human rights by design . She also noted that these priorities directly advance WSIS Action Line C2 and Action Line C11 .

Lucien Castex highlighted that 2.2 billion people remain offline, underscoring the scale of the connectivity challenge that still needs to be addressed. He argued that multi-stakeholder partnerships are essential to translate high-level principles into concrete pilot projects and scalable solutions that deliver tangible benefits to citizens. This requires cooperation and leadership across all sectors and stakeholder groups.

He cited the figure of 2.2 billion people still offline as evidence of the persistent connectivity gap , and argued that multi-stakeholder partnerships are needed to move from principles to use cases, pilot projects, and scaled-up delivery of tangible benefits to citizens .

Lucien Castex argued that the past 20 years of WSIS have demonstrated that no single actor can shape the digital society on its own. The diversity of stakeholders and viewpoints is what enables the shaping of intelligent, inclusive, trustworthy, and resilient societies. Emerging technologies have raised new challenges that require cooperation and leadership across all sectors.

He drew on the 20-year history of WSIS to assert that no single actor can shape the digital society alone , and emphasised that intelligent societies are not only at the cutting edge of technology but also inclusive, trustworthy, resilient, and equitable .

Lucien Castex stressed that beyond infrastructure access, there is a critical need for capacity building, skills development, and training to cultivate local talent and future partners. Building local capacity is essential for communities to become participants in intelligent societies rather than passive recipients of technology. The coming years will be critical for expanding meaningful connectivity and strengthening the multi-stakeholder model.

He identified capacity building, skills, and training as a key need to build local capacity and allow for the emergence of new talents and future partners . He also noted that the next few years will be critical for expanding meaningful connectivity, leveraging multi-stakeholder partnerships, and strengthening the multi-stakeholder model itself .

Nandini Chami argued that the central challenge is governing AI effectively before the pace of technological development outstrips the capacity of policy frameworks to manage it. She identified an 'agency divide' between countries with the capacity to adapt AI to local needs, evaluate risks, and develop solutions, and those that are left merely using AI developed elsewhere. Developing countries must be participants in shaping AI models, data architectures, standards, and markets.

She described the agency divide as a gap between countries with the capacity to adapt AI to local needs, evaluate risks, protect rights, develop solutions, and retain public value, and others who are left just using AI . She also called for international cooperation not just in sharing technologies and finance, but equally in sharing knowledge and experiences of governance, including in emerging areas such as governing agentic AI without internet fragmentation .

Tara Harris reported that the Leaders' Talk 4 session identified AI as the most significant equaliser in expanding access to information and services, with practical examples such as farmers receiving crop diagnoses in their own language and citizens accessing government services by voice. However, she cautioned that AI risks deepening existing divides if left solely to market forces. Regulation was criticised for still measuring coverage rather than human impact, and the gap between policy and practice remains too wide.

She cited examples such as a farmer receiving crop diagnosis in their own language, a citizen accessing government services by voice, and ICANN's universal acceptance work enabling every script and language to function online . Speakers were frank about challenges, including AI risks deepening divides if left to market forces and regulation still measuring coverage instead of human impact .

Tara Harris argued that while 20 years of WSIS have expanded connectivity, the fresh priority for the decade ahead must be making that connectivity meaningful. This means ensuring that every person can understand, use, and benefit from information regardless of their language, literacy level, geographic location, or ability. The session's vision beyond 2035 is not merely connectivity but comprehension.

She stated that 20 years of WSIS have expanded connectivity, but the fresh priority for the decade ahead is making that connectivity meaningful, ensuring every person can understand, use, and benefit from information regardless of language, literacy, geography, or ability . The session's vision beyond 2035 was described as a world where everyone can participate fully in the digital economy and knowledge society on their own terms .

Tara Harris highlighted that practical steps towards genuine digital inclusion include ICANN's universal acceptance work, which enables every script and language to function readily online. Voice-based government services also represent a concrete mechanism for ensuring that citizens who may lack literacy or language access can still engage with public services. These examples illustrate how technology can be harnessed to reduce barriers to participation.

She cited ICANN's universal acceptance work enabling every script and language to function readily online, as well as the example of a citizen accessing government services by voice, as practical steps towards genuine digital inclusion .

Speaker 3, reading on behalf of Ms. Cheryl Miller, conveyed that the session examined how the growth of digital public infrastructure is increasingly anchored to the integrity of the digital identity layer and the resilience of communication networks. The discussion focused on what it takes to design, finance, and govern digital public infrastructure that is genuinely resilient, inclusive, and built to last. The session also showcased how different countries are building upon shared foundations from the local to the global level.

The session considered how the growth of digital public infrastructure is increasingly anchored to the integrity of the digital identity layer and the resilience of communication networks . Panellists discussed what it takes to design, finance, and govern digital public infrastructure that is genuinely resilient, inclusive, and built to last , and shared case studies from their countries on how they are navigating global challenges to harness the benefits of digital progress .

Thomas Aarheim argued that the central question of his panel was how to harness emerging technologies without widening existing inequalities. He reported that the panel found the answers to be multifaceted, with the central message being that successful AI adaptation depends on more than just the technology itself. The next digital divide may be defined not by connectivity alone, but by countries' and institutions' capability to deploy, govern, and shape emerging technologies in a responsible manner.

He reported that the panel focused on how to harness emerging technologies without widening existing inequalities, and that successful AI adaptation requires trusted data, resilient infrastructure, skilled institutions, effective governance, and an open, secure internet . He emphasised that the next digital divide may be defined not only by connectivity itself, but by countries and institutions' capability to deploy, govern, and shape emerging technologies responsibly .

Speaker 2, reading on behalf of Many, conveyed that successful digital transformation depends not only on technology but also on strong national vision, enabling policy and regulatory environments, interoperable systems, and sustained investment in digital foundations. A common theme was that collaboration between governments, regulators, the private sector, and development partners is essential to scaling digital transformation and strengthening trust. The session highlighted practical examples of implementation including integrated digital government platforms and digital identity frameworks.

The session emphasised that successful digital transformation depends not only on technology but also on strong national vision, enabling policy and regulatory environments, interoperable systems, and sustained investment in digital foundations . Practical examples highlighted included integrated digital government platforms, one-stop service centres, digital public infrastructure roadmaps, digital identity, data exchange, and cybersecurity frameworks . A common theme was that collaboration between governments, regulators, the private sector, and development partners is essential to scaling digital transformation and strengthening trust .

Speaker 2 argued that digital public infrastructure is enabling governments to deliver more accessible, inclusive, and trusted public services, but that services must be designed around citizens' needs. Accessibility must be ensured regardless of connectivity, affordability, digital skills, language, or location. The session showcased practical examples of implementation that demonstrate how citizen-centred design can be achieved.

The session explored how digital public infrastructure is enabling governments to deliver more accessible, inclusive, and trusted public services , and speakers highlighted the importance of designing digital government around citizens' needs, ensuring services remain accessible regardless of connectivity, affordability, digital skills, language, or location .

Sajith Wijesuriya argued that expanding digital infrastructure alone is insufficient for sustainable digital transformation. Investment in human capital, lifelong learning, digital trust, cybersecurity awareness, and inclusive governance are equally essential. A recurring theme was the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration among government, industry, academia, technical communities, and civil society.

Speakers emphasised that expanding digital infrastructure alone is insufficient and that sustainable digital transformation requires investment in human capital, lifelong learning, digital trust, cybersecurity awareness, and inclusive governance . A recurring theme was the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration among government, industry, academia, technical communities, and civil society .

Sajith Wijesuriya reported that the session highlighted the need to equip individuals not only with technical skills but also with the ability to use digital technology safely, responsibly, and ethically. Discussions highlighted approaches ranging from national digital transformation strategies to targeted digital literacy programmes, AI capacity building efforts, and gender-responsive interventions. The discussion concluded with a shared recognition that inclusive capacity building is fundamental to ensuring no one is left behind.

Panellists underscored the need to equip individuals not only with technical skills but also with the ability to use digital technology safely, responsibly, and ethically . Discussions highlighted approaches including national digital transformation strategies, regulatory initiatives, targeted digital literacy programmes, AI capacity building efforts, and gender-responsive interventions . The discussion concluded with a shared recognition that inclusive capacity building is fundamental to ensuring that no one is left behind .

Speaker 1, reading on behalf of the high-level track facilitator for Leaders' Talk 9, conveyed that artificial intelligence featured prominently in the session, with participants stressing the need for governance frameworks grounded in transparency, accountability, fundamental rights, and a risk-based approach. The session also highlighted the critical role of regional and international cooperation in addressing cross-border cyber threats, promoting interoperability, and strengthening collective resilience. Cybersecurity was recognised not only as a technical necessity but as a strategic enabler of economic growth and sustainable development.

Artificial intelligence featured prominently, with participants stressing the need for governance frameworks grounded in transparency, accountability, fundamental rights, and a risk-based approach . The discussion highlighted the critical role of regional and international cooperation in addressing cross-border cyber threats, promoting interoperability, and strengthening collective resilience . Cybersecurity was recognised not only as a technical necessity but as a strategic enabler of economic growth, public confidence, institutional resilience, and sustainable development .

Speaker 1 conveyed that the session underscored that digital trust depends on inclusion, and that expanding digital access, literacy, and skills remains essential, particularly for youth, women, vulnerable communities, and developing countries. The session concluded that the future success of digital transformation will depend not only on technological innovation but on the collective ability to build trusted digital environments that are secure, inclusive, and human-centred. Trust must be built into digital ecosystems from the outset.

Speakers underscored that digital trust depends on inclusion, and that expanding digital access, literacy, skills, and opportunities remains essential, particularly for youth, women, vulnerable communities, and developing countries . The session concluded that the future success of digital transformation will depend not only on technological innovation but on the collective ability to build trusted digital environments that are secure, inclusive, and human-centred .

Caitlin Kraft-Buchman argued that the session made one point very clearly: the next phase of WSIS must move from declaration to delivery. Across very different perspectives, speakers agreed that this will require much stronger multi-stakeholder cooperation, shared learning, and the breaking down of institutional silos. Digital and AI infrastructure must be designed not only for today's growth but for coexistence and sustainability across multiple generations.

She reported that the session made clear that the next phase of WSIS must move from declaration to delivery, requiring much stronger multi-stakeholder cooperation, shared learning, and the breaking down of institutional silos . She also noted that digital and AI infrastructure must be designed not only for today's growth but for coexistence and sustainability across two, three, or four generations .

Caitlin Kraft-Buchman argued that innovation and regulation, competitiveness and standards, are not opposites and are not mutually exclusive, and that well-designed governance can support both. She also stressed that digital sovereignty cannot mean isolation, as systems are interdependent, and the task ahead is to turn that interdependence into trusted partnerships, shared responsibility, and practical delivery. An inclusive digital future depends on integrating diverse perspectives and recognising pluriversality.

She stated that innovation and regulation, competitiveness and standards, are not opposites and that well-designed governance can support both . She also argued that digital sovereignty cannot mean isolation, as systems are interdependent, and the task ahead is to turn that interdependence into trusted partnerships, shared responsibility, and practical delivery .

Caitlin Kraft-Buchman reported that the Women Ministers Network and Leaders in ICT Leadership Circle Lab asked the hard question of where commitment to gender-responsive AI loses traction. The answers pointed beyond rhetoric to the architecture of power, including budgets, procurement rules, standards bodies, appointments, impact assessments, and accountability mechanisms. Gender equality in AI will not be delivered by visibility alone but must be embedded in the systems that allocate resources, set standards, and shape technological futures.

She reported that the gathering asked where commitment to gender-responsive AI loses traction, with answers taking participants beyond rhetoric into the architecture of power, including budgets, procurement rules, standards bodies, appointments, impact assessments, and accountability mechanisms . She stated that gender equality in AI will not be delivered by visibility alone but must be embedded in the systems that allocate resources, set standards, and create new opportunities .

Caitlin Kraft-Buchman argued that an inclusive digital future depends on integrating diverse perspectives and building bridges across regions and sectors. She stressed the importance of recognising pluriversality rather than assuming that one model will fit every context. This approach is essential to ensuring that digital transformation is genuinely inclusive and equitable.

She stated that an inclusive digital future depends on integrating diverse perspectives, building bridges across regions and sectors, and recognising pluriversality rather than assuming that one model will fit every context .

Chafic Chaya reported that Leaders' Talk 8 sent a clear and encouraging message that international and regional cooperation is one of the pillars of an inclusive, secure, and sustainable information society. The discussion highlighted priorities including resilient digital infrastructure, meaningful connectivity, trusted digital environments, cybersecurity, AI readiness, and regulatory cooperation. Key challenges identified included persistent digital divides, financing gaps, fragmented governance, and uneven participation.

He stated that international and regional cooperation is one of the pillars of an inclusive, secure, and sustainable information society . The discussion highlighted priorities including resilient digital infrastructure, meaningful connectivity, trusted digital environments, cybersecurity, AI readiness, regulatory cooperation, and stronger institutional capacity . Clear challenges were also identified, including persistent digital divides, financing gaps, fragmented governance, uneven participation, and the need to move from principles to practical implementation .

Chafic Chaya argued that the key takeaway from Leaders' Talk 8 is that WSIS towards 2035 must translate cooperation into impact on the ground. The session was grounded in real-world examples, ranging from shared accountability frameworks to connectivity and universal service funds, and explored how the IGF and WSIS processes can reinforce each other. The goal is to build a trusted, cooperative, and inclusive multi-stakeholder environment.

He stated that the session was grounded in real-world examples, ranging from shared accountability frameworks to connectivity, universal service funds, and how the IGF and WSIS processes can reinforce each other . The takeaway was clear: WSIS towards 2035 must translate cooperation into impact on the ground, within a trusted, cooperative, and inclusive multi-stakeholder environment .

Leonard Obonyo reported that panellists in Leaders' Talk 7 highlighted that effective ICT regulation has evolved beyond simply managing markets. It now encompasses building trust, attracting investment, protecting citizens, enabling innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind. Country experiences from Malaysia, Gabon, Georgia, Montenegro, Senegal, and Micronesia illustrated how policy leadership is becoming central to national development.

Panellists highlighted that effective ICT regulation is no longer only about managing markets but about building trust, attracting investment, protecting citizens, enabling innovation, and ensuring that no one is left behind . Experiences from Malaysia's accountability focus, Gabon's digital sovereignty, Georgia and Montenegro's investment-friendly regulation, Senegal's AI and data economy collaboration, and Micronesia's capacity building for small island developing states were cited as illustrative examples .

Leonard Obonyo argued that a common message emerged from Leaders' Talk 7: the future requires agile, inclusive, and forward-looking governance. As the world advances towards WSIS 2035, policy leadership will be one of the most important enablers of sustainable, inclusive, and people-centric digital development. This was reinforced by diverse country experiences demonstrating how transparency and investment-friendly regulation can accelerate digital economic growth.

A common message emerged from the session that the future requires agile, inclusive, and forward-looking governance . He stated that as the world advances towards WSIS 2035, policy leadership will be one of the most important enablers of sustainable, inclusive, and people-centric digital development . Georgia and Montenegro were cited as examples of how transparency and investment-friendly regulation can accelerate broadband connectivity, 5G deployment, and digital economic growth .

Leonard Obonyo highlighted that Micronesia's experience demonstrated the importance of practical capacity building and international cooperation specifically for small island developing states. As AI rises and data economies grow, new generations of regulatory collaboration are needed, particularly for smaller and more vulnerable nations. This reinforces the broader theme that no one should be left behind in the digital transformation.

He noted that Micronesia highlighted the importance of practical capacity building and international cooperation for small island developing states . He also referenced Senegal's reminder that as AI rises, data economies and global digital platforms require a new generation of collaboration in regulation .

Gitanjali Sah noted that the WSIS Forum 2026 high-level track comprised 12 leaders' talks with over 250 to 300 high-level participants joining across these sessions. This underscores the breadth and significance of multi-stakeholder engagement at the forum, with leaders from diverse sectors and regions participating in discussions on key digital development themes.

She stated that there were 12 leaders' talks this year, with over 250, or approximately 300, high-level participants joining across these sessions, which were based on the WSIS action lines .

Gitanjali Sah highlighted that the WSIS Action Line facilitators were very efficient in their interventions, completing the session six minutes early, which she described as a record time. This reflects positively on the organisational structure and discipline of the WSIS Forum process.

She noted that the WSIS Action Line facilitators were very efficient in their interventions and that the session finished six minutes early, describing this as a record time .

Gitanjali Sah emphasised that the closing ceremony would feature the presentation of the outcomes of the WSIS Forum 2026 by the Secretary General, along with the chair summary. She also noted that summaries submitted by high-level track facilitators, such as Caitlin Kraft-Buchman's summary of the Women Ministers Network, should be submitted to the outcome documents of the WSIS Forum.

She announced that the closing ceremony would include the outcomes of the WSIS Forum 2026 from the Secretary General and the presentation of the chair summary . She also instructed Caitlin to submit her summary to the outcome documents of the WSIS Forum so that it would form part of the official record .