It has been two decades since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) was first launched, and in that time we have forged a path towards making digital advances equitable and sustainable. WSIS has redefined the way we think about building for a digital future by establishing a global framework for multistakeholder collaboration across the ICT sector. The results speak for themselves, such as internet usage increasing from 1 billion in 2005 to 5.5 billion by 2025, global structured multistakeholder participation in digital initiatives, and the shift from dial-up to 5G worldwide, among others. We kick off a celebration of the past 20 years by reflecting on what has been achieved and how these milestones were reached through collective effort.
Opening Remarks by co-hosts: ITU and Swiss Confederation
Co-organizers' Remarks: UNCTAD, UNESCO, and UNDP
Handover of Chair and the Appointment of Chair of WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025
Mr. Thomas SchneiderAmbassador and Director of International AffairsOffice Fédéral de la Communication (OFCOM)WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 Co-host
Dr. Tawfik JelassiAssistant Director-General for Communication and InformationUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 Co-organizer
Mr. Pedro Manuel MorenoDeputy Secretary-GeneralUnited Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 Co-organizer
