In 2025, a myriad of processes and initiatives at the intersection of sustainable development and Internet governance will continue to be implemented. In this context, defining and defending the importance of a multistakeholder model to Internet governance is critical. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process is a key internet governance process and has been instrumental in forging connections between digital technologies and development across contexts.
This critical role must continue in the future. To do this, the WSIS Forum must build on, support, and integrate new and existing forums and processes. This includes affirming the renewal of the mandate of the IGF and integrating the implementation of the Global Digital Compact into the WSIS ecosystem. It must also uphold multistakeholder principles and facilitate an inclusive process. As we approach the 2025 WSIS+20 review, there is a critical need to raise awareness of the WSIS+20 process and articulate a vision for how the Forum can promote a multistakeholder approach to internet governance and support human rights, development, and achievement of the SDGs.
This multistakeholder roundtable discussion will bring together policymakers, the technical community, civil society, and academia to explore how stakeholders can leverage the WSIS Forum to advance a commitment to the open, global, and interoperable Internet and the SDGs. In particular, the session will explore: 1. How can the WSIS+20 process be leveraged to achieve the SDGs and promote human rights, particularly across African countries? Are there past examples of WSIS implementation to learn from? 2. How can the WSIS+20 facilitate an inclusive and multistakeholder process? How have governments integrated stakeholders into WSIS+20 preparations thus far? Are there best practices, including the São Paulo Multistakeholder Guidelines for multistakeholder consensus-building and decision-making, that should be integrated? 3. In practice, how should the WSIS+20 process integrate other initiatives, such as affirming the renewal of the IGF mandate and integrating the implementation of the Global Digital Compact?
