WSIS+20 virtual stakeholder consultations

The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is hosting two days of virtual consultations on 13–14 October 2025 to advance the WSIS+20 review process. The informal interactive sessions bring together member states and a broad range of stakeholders—including civil society, technical communities, academia, and international organisations—to discuss and provide feedback on the ”Zero Draft’ text guiding the upcoming WSIS+20 milestones.

Structured across multiple sessions to accommodate global participation, the consultations will cover key themes, including bridging digital divides, digital capacity development, human rights, enabling environments, the digital economy, and internet governance. Speakers, carefully selected to ensure balanced representation, will present interventions and contribute to an inclusive dialogue aimed at refining the draft ahead of the second Preparatory Meeting scheduled for 15 October.

The consultations reflect a commitment to multistakeholder engagement, transparency, and collaboration, allowing participants to share perspectives, exchange experiences, and offer recommendations for the continued evolution of the WSIS agenda. Participation requires prior registration, and the sessions will be accessible online, providing a platform for international dialogue on the future of the information society.

The informal consultations will precede the 2nd Preparatory Meeting, which will take place on 15 October and will be broadcast via UN Web TV.  Informal negotiations on the draft are scheduled to take place on 16–17 and 20–21 October 2025.