UN Leaders Dialogue


WSIS/ITU

Session 449

Thursday, 9 July 2026 14:00–15:00 (UTC+02:00) Physical (on-site) and Virtual (remote) participation Room C, Palexpo High-Level Dialogue

The UN Leaders Dialogue @ WSIS brings together senior leaders from across the United Nations system for a strategic and forward‑looking exchange on the future of global digital cooperation. Grounded in the long‑standing WSIS process and energized by the ambition of WSIS+20, this high‑level dialogue offers an opportunity to reaffirm shared commitments, align priorities, and strengthen collaboration in support of an inclusive, people‑centered digital future.

The dialogue creates space for open reflection, constructive discussion, and a shared look at how the UN system can accelerate WSIS implementation together. It also highlights the UN’s ongoing work to advance digital cooperation through UNGIS, support Member States in delivering WSIS outcomes, and promote digital inclusion, capacity‑building, and innovation across all regions.

The session invites leaders to explore how the UN can work even more effectively as one system — ensuring that the next chapter of WSIS+20 is coherent, collaborative, and truly transformative for people and communities worldwide.

Panellists
Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin Secretary-General International Telecommunication Union Moderator

Mr. Masahiko Metoki
Mr. Masahiko Metoki Director General Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Director-General World Health Organization (WHO)

Prof. Celeste Saulo
Prof. Celeste Saulo Secretary-General World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Ms. Tatiana Molcean
Ms. Tatiana Molcean Executive Secretary United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno
Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Secretary-General UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough
Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough Executive Director United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

Ms. Magdalena Sepúlveda
Ms. Magdalena Sepúlveda Director United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)

Mr. Miguel Panadero
Mr. Miguel Panadero Acting Director United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC)

Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas
Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas Deputy Secretary-General International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Moderator

Ms. Beate Andrees
Ms. Beate Andrees Assistant Director-General International Labour Organization

Ms. Mariya Gabriel
Ms. Mariya Gabriel Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Mr. Ciyong Zou
Mr. Ciyong Zou Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Ms. Sonja Leighton-Kone
Ms. Sonja Leighton-Kone Deputy Executive Director United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Mr. Anwar Mahfoudh
Mr. Anwar Mahfoudh Chief, Innovation and Analytics Hub The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

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

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Mr. Kaan Çetintürk Global Chief Information Officer & Director, Digital Impact United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

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Mr. Dino Cataldo Dell'Accio Deputy Chief Executive United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF)

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Ms. Milena Grecuccio Deputy Director United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC)

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Mr. Irakli Beridze Head, Centre for AI & Robotics United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI)