Egypt assumes presidency of WSIS Forum 2026
WSIS Forum 2026 is the first edition after the 20-year review of the WSIS process.
Egypt has assumed the presidency of the WSIS Forum 2026, taking over from South Africa during the forum’s opening session in Geneva.
The country is represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, with Minister Raafat Hindi presiding over this year’s proceedings.
The WSIS Forum is a key international platform for advancing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society and strengthening global digital cooperation.
The 2026 edition is the first WSIS Forum after the 20-year review of the WSIS process, giving the meeting a focus on turning review outcomes into practical action through 2035.
In his opening remarks, Hindi said Egypt would build on South Africa’s presidency and work with governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academia and international organisations.
He said the main challenge is no longer redefining the WSIS vision, but rather accelerating implementation amid rapid technological change.
Egypt’s stated priorities include bridging the digital divide, strengthening digital capacities, promoting responsible and inclusive AI, expanding digital public infrastructure and mobilising sustainable financing for developing countries.
The forum’s agenda also covers cybersecurity, online safety, misinformation, data governance, digital inclusion and emerging digital challenges.
Egypt said it views the presidency as a platform for building partnerships across regions and sectors, while promoting the priorities of Arab and developing countries in global digital cooperation.
Why does it matter?
Egypt’s presidency gives the WSIS Forum 2026 a clear post-WSIS+20 implementation focus. The emphasis on digital inclusion, AI, digital public infrastructure and financing for developing countries reflects a broader shift in digital cooperation debates: the issue is no longer only setting principles, but turning them into capacity, infrastructure and policy action. Egypt’s role also highlights the growing importance of Arab and developing-country priorities in global digital governance.
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