WSIS Action Line C7: E-Science in Action: Operationalizing the WSIS+20 Vision through AI, Quantum, and Open Data for the Global South
UNESCO
Session 305
The WSIS Forum 2026 (6–10 July 2026, Geneva) marks a critical milestone as the first forum convened following the WSIS+20 review and the adoption of the outcome document by the UN General Assembly in December 2025 . The UNGA outcome reaffirmed the commitment to a people-centered, inclusive information society and underscored the need for human-centric approaches to emerging technologies, data governance, and artificial intelligence (AI) .
Last year's WSIS 2025 C7 E-Science session (Session 395) focused heavily on the "Open Quantum Institute", remote access to scientific infrastructure (such as UNESCO's Global Remote Access Initiative), and anticipatory science diplomacy led by GESDA . To build on this momentum while offering a fresh, actionable perspective for 2026, this year's session must pivot from anticipating these technologies to implementing them equitably, in direct alignment with the newly adopted WSIS+20 and Global Digital Compact commitments.
While 2025 focused on anticipating breakthroughs and launching global initiatives (like the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology), 2026 focus on capacity building, technology transfer, and ethical governance. The session will explore how emerging e-science tools (AI-driven research, quantum computing applications, and open science data ecosystems) can be practically deployed to solve local challenges in developing nations, ensuring that the "Planetarized Humanity" concept translates into tangible resource allocation rather than just remote access.
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-science
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
This session contributes directly to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by demonstrating how e‑science solutions can accelerate progress across multiple goals, with a particular emphasis on SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By promoting equitable access to advanced scientific tools such as AI, quantum computing, and open data platforms, the session supports capacity building and strengthens research and innovation ecosystems in developing countries. Furthermore, it highlights the role of inclusive digital infrastructure and international collaboration in addressing global challenges, such as health, climate change, and sustainable resource management, thereby aligning e‑science practices with the broader objective of leaving no one behind and fostering sustainable, knowledge-based development.
- Objective 1: Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals
- Objective 4: Advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches