12:48 p.m.
Hello advisors. Here, for your information, is a brief document
contributed by an ICANN colleague who was deeply involved in last year's
WSIS+20 discussions. We can certainly be proud of our contributions to
this worldwide effort which did, in the end, preserve the internet
governance principles that were established 20 years ago.
-------------------------------------
From APRALO Bytes, 26-01-26 WSIS+20 outcome
Contributed by by _Amrita Choudhury_
<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/67rxBQ>
26 January 2026. *WSIS+20: A Step Forward, But Implementation Is Key*
The recently adopted__*_high level document_*
<https://docs.un.org/A/80/L.41>on the twenty year review of the *World
Summit on the Information Society*(_WSIS+20_
<https://unctad.org/topic/commission-on-science-and-technology-for-develop...>)
reflects compromise, but also important progress. From the end user
perspective, several outcomes stand out as wins.
The vision of a people centred, inclusive, development oriented
information society has been reaffirmed, alongside the principle of
*multistakeholder cooperation*and stronger international collaboration.
Most notably, the *Internet Governance Forum*(_IGF_
<https://intgovforum.org/en>) has been granted a permanent mandate, with
sustainable funding for its secretariat. This ensures continuity,
enhances intersessional work, support to national and regional
initiatives, and broadens participation. A structured government
dialogue with multistakeholder engagement represents a pragmatic
compromise on state involvement.
Other measures welcomed by end-users include continuation of the *WSIS
Forum*and aligning *WSIS action lines*with the *Sustainable Development
Goals*(_SDGs_
<https://www.un.org/en/exhibits/page/sdgs-17-goals-transform-world>) and
the *Global Digital Compact*(_GDC_
<https://www.un.org/digital-emerging-technologies/global-digital-compact>).
Closing the digital divide has rightly been identified as the top
priority—covering connectivity, affordability, skills, multilingualism,
cultural diversity, gender equality, human rights, and enabling policy
environments. The emphasis on fair digital development, technology
transfer, and environmental sustainability, including energy use and
e waste management, is particularly relevant for everyday users.
Human rights commitments have been reinforced, with clear emphasis on
protecting rights online, safeguarding against harms, and promoting
media freedom, privacy, and freedom of expression. Capacity development,
financing, digital skills, and AI expertise are recognised as essential,
with _ITU_ <https://www.itu.int/en/Pages/default.aspx>and the _UN AI
Working Group_
<https://www.itu.int/en/action/ai/Pages/UN-inter-agency-working-group-on-A...
with assessments and programme design.
Yet, the real challenge lies ahead: ensuring implementation is genuinely
inclusive, and that end-users—especially in the Global South—have a
meaningful voice in shaping the digital future.
_____________________
Marita