UNESCO promotes inclusive digital transformation at WSIS Forum 2026
Inclusive digital transformation remains a UNESCO priority across AI, languages and public access.
UNESCO used the WSIS Forum 2026 to promote a vision of digital transformation centred on inclusion, multilingualism, human rights and the public interest, arguing that emerging technologies should remain accessible, ethical and beneficial for everyone.
A central theme of UNESCO’s participation was multilingual digital inclusion. The organisation argued that people should be able to access digital services, create knowledge, preserve cultural heritage and participate online using their own languages and writing systems.
Together with ICANN, UNESCO launched a joint policy brief on Universal Acceptance, calling on governments, industry and the technical community to ensure that all domain names and email addresses work seamlessly across different languages and writing systems.
UNESCO also reaffirmed the importance of human rights-centred governance for AI and emerging technologies. Discussions focused on embedding ethics into digital transformation, strengthening international cooperation on AI governance and preparing for the transition to quantum-safe technologies through transparent, inclusive and rights-based policy approaches.
The organisation also highlighted the role of libraries and other trusted public institutions in narrowing the digital divide by expanding access to digital services, digital skills and reliable information.
Why does it matter?
UNESCO’s participation at WSIS Forum 2026 highlights a vision of digital transformation that extends beyond technological innovation to include cultural diversity, inclusion and human rights. Rather than treating AI, internet governance and emerging technologies as purely technical issues, the organisation argues they should be shaped by public-interest principles that ensure everyone can participate in the digital economy.
By linking multilingual internet access, ethical AI, quantum governance and trusted public institutions, UNESCO is promoting a comprehensive approach to digital governance that could influence future international cooperation as governments implement the outcomes of WSIS+20 and the Global Digital Compact.
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