Agenda

Context 

Over two decades ago, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) set in motion a global effort to harness information and communication technologies (ICTs) for inclusive, knowledge-driven development. Established to build a people-centered, inclusive, and development-oriented information and knowledge societies, WSIS laid the foundation for global digital cooperation, catalyzing transformative change by connecting people, fostering innovation, and advancing sustainable development.

Marking twenty years since the Tunis phase of the WSIS Summit in 2005, the UN General Assembly, through resolution A/70/125 adopted in 2015, called for a high-level review in December 2025 in New York. This review is a timely opportunity to assess progress over two decades, share lessons learned, and define a renewed vision for the next phase of the global digital agenda.

The side event, “Celebrating Twenty Years and Achieving Future Milestones Together,” brings stakeholders together to celebrate the achievements of the WSIS process while looking ahead to opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The session will encourage dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and collaborative approaches to strengthen global digital cooperation.

As digital technologies continue to reshape economies, societies, and daily life, the WSIS vision remains highly relevant, guiding efforts to ensure that digital transformation is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. The session is an important moment to showcase progress, reinforce collaboration and collective actions for the next chapter of global information and knowledge societies.

Agenda

09:00-09:03                      Moderator Welcome & Housekeeping

09:03-09:06                     Opening Remarks

Nur Sulyna Abdullah, Chief, Strategic Planning and Membership, and Special Advisor to the Secretary-General, ITU

09:06-09:15                     Co-organisers remarks

1.       Mr. Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (confirmed)

2.       Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (confirmed)

3.       Mr. Jorge Cancio, Director of International Relations, Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM), Switzerland (confirmed)

09:15-09:21                      Remarks from the WSIS+20 Co-Facilitators

4.       WSIS+20 Co-Facilitators 

·       H.E. Mr. Ekitela Lokaale, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations

·       H.E. Ms. Suela Janina, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations

09:21-09:42                      Speakers’ Interventions

                                          Vision and the Future of WSIS Beyond 2025

Guiding Questions:

o   What is the vision for WSIS and global digital cooperation in the years beyond 2025?

o   How can multistakeholder collaboration be strengthened to achieve these priorities?

5.       Ms. Nonkqubela Thathakahle Jordan-Dyani, Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, South Africa

6.       H.E. Mr. Ambassador Muhammad Radzi Jamaludin, Ambassador, Malaysia 

7.       Mr. Mactar Seck, Chief Frontier and Emerging Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation Section, UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) 

8.       Mr. Howie Wachtel, Senior Director, UN and International Organizations Policy, Microsoft (Private Sector) 

9.    Ms. Katharina Mänz, Acting Head of BMZ Unit 110, Digital Technologies, BMZ 

10.    Mr. Joshua Ingersoll (ITU Youth Advisory Board) 

09:42-09:55                      Interactive Discussion 

09:55-10:00                      Closing Remarks & Group Photo