The WSIS Forum
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is an existing multistakeholder United Nations (UN) process on digital governance and cooperation with a vision of fostering people-centered, inclusive, and development-oriented information and knowledge societies.
The WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 will take place from 7 to 11 July 2025 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, co-hosted by the ITU and the Swiss Confederation, and co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD. During this Forum, exhibition spaces will be available free of charge for session organizers.
Session Date and Time
TBC
Session Background
Satellites have always been a critical part of disaster management by ensuring communication continuity when terrestrial networks are disrupted. In the age of rapid technological advances, new innovations, such as Direct-to-Device communication technologies, allow mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without the need for ground-based cell towers. This groundbreaking technology makes it possible for individuals to send and receive emergency alerts, messages, and data in areas where conventional cellular infrastructure is unavailable, especially in remote and hard-to-reach locations, or when terrestrial services are disrupted during times of emergencies. These developments and opportunities are critical for expanding services and delivering better early warning systems, and for helping to achieve the Early Warnings for All Initiative.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced understanding of satellite technology in disaster response: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how satellite communication systems, including direct-to-device capabilities, play a critical role in emergency alerting and disaster response, and their current status.
- Improved collaboration and preparedness for crisis situations: Attendees will be equipped with knowledge on how satellite technologies, with the help of AI, can be integrated into early warning systems as well as into national and international disaster management strategies.
