Advancing WSIS Implementation: Emerging Trends across Governance, Infrastructure, Access, and Capacity
The RIPE NCC
Session 185
This session will identify emerging digital trends and global priorities shaping the evolution of WSIS Action Lines C1–C6, with a focus on governance, infrastructure, access to information, capacity building and enabling environment. It will bring together diverse stakeholders to translate these trends into actionable inputs for WSIS roadmaps, strengthening alignment with global processes and supporting inclusive, implementation-oriented outcomes.
It will facilitate cross-sectoral dialogues that bring together technical, policy, and civil society actors to address complex challenges such as cybersecurity, and financing digital development.
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C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
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C2. Information and communication infrastructure
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
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C4. Capacity building
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C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
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C6. Enabling environment
This session contributes to the implementation of WSIS Action Lines C1–C6 by examining emerging trends and evolving approaches in governance, digital infrastructure, meaningful access, capacity development, trust and security, and enabling policy environments. Through a multi-stakeholder perspective, the discussion will explore how these interconnected dimensions can accelerate progress toward inclusive, resilient, and development-oriented information societies.
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
The session contributes to SDG 4 through its focus on capacity building and the development of actionable WSIS roadmaps that strengthen digital skills, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder engagement. By addressing emerging digital trends and promoting inclusive participation in digital governance processes, the session supports lifelong learning opportunities and the capacity of diverse stakeholders to effectively participate in the digital transformation.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
The session supports SDG 5 by promoting inclusive and multi-stakeholder participation in digital policy and governance discussions. Through dialogue among technical, policy, and civil society actors, it seeks to ensure that digital development strategies and WSIS implementation processes consider the needs of underrepresented groups, including women and girls, thereby fostering more equitable access to digital opportunities and decision-making processes.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
This SDG is directly addressed through the session’s examination of digital infrastructure, connectivity, innovation, and emerging technologies shaping the evolution of WSIS Action Lines C1–C6. Discussions on financing digital development, strengthening infrastructure, and aligning WSIS roadmaps with global priorities will contribute to more resilient digital ecosystems and innovation-driven development.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
The session contributes to SDG 11 by exploring how digital governance, access to information, and digital infrastructure can support more inclusive and resilient communities. By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and implementation-oriented approaches, the session helps advance digital solutions that improve public participation, access to services, and sustainable development outcomes at local and community levels.
- Objective 1: Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals
- Objective 2: Expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all
- Objective 3: Foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promotes human rights
Session materials, presentations, key messages, and post-session outcomes will be disseminated through organizer websites, WSIS stakeholder networks, and social media channels. Participants will be encouraged to share insights and recommendations through relevant WSIS+20, Internet Governance Forum (IGF), and Global Digital Compact community platforms to maximize visibility and support broader stakeholder engagement.