Agenda

This session will explore how open source and AI can jointly serve as practical enablers of sustainable development across sectors through open digital infrastructure, interoperable data systems, high-quality and shareable datasets, and collaborative innovation models. As countries and communities seek inclusive pathways for digital transformation, open technologies offer opportunities to lower barriers to access, strengthen local capacity, reduce fragmentation, and promote more trusted, resilient, and scalable digital ecosystems.

The discussion is grounded in the growing importance of open source software, open standards, open data, and digital public goods in addressing global development challenges. Open and collaborative approaches are increasingly shaping digital public infrastructure, industrial modernization, health systems, education platforms, climate-related innovation, and AI readiness. At the same time, they raise important questions about governance, interoperability, safety, and the roles of different stakeholders in ensuring that innovation remains inclusive and aligned with public value.

The session will highlight practical examples and successful projects relevant to this agenda, including open source communities and industrial digital transformation initiatives, open and interoperable data systems, and cross-sector use cases where open source AI and data collaboration have helped create real-world impact. Industry will be discussed as one important application domain, alongside health, education, transportation, climate action, and digital public infrastructure. The session will also consider how open source ecosystems can complement international standards and support more inclusive models of innovation and capacity building, especially for developing countries.

Looking toward WSIS beyond 2015 and toward 2025, the session aims to contribute to ongoing discussions around the WSIS+20 review, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Global Digital Compact. It will bring together representatives from academia, international organizations, industry, and global open source communities to discuss how multistakeholder cooperation can help translate policy principles into practical implementation pathways. The session is designed as a moderated panel with short interventions, case-sharing contributions, and interactive dialogue, with the goal of advancing actionable ideas, stronger partnerships, and a shared vision for open, inclusive, and development-oriented digital futures.