Agenda

C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development

The WSIS+20 outcome document reaffirmed the Tunis Agenda and the multistakeholder model of Internet governance. WSIS Action Line C1 acknowledges that advancing ICT development requires contributions from all stakeholders, not just governments, as the expertise extends beyond the government stakeholder. 

C3. Access to information and knowledge

The WSIS+20 outcome document  recognizes the role of IDNs in creating multilingualism on the Internet. The document highlights the progress made toward UA of IDNs, which enables diverse language communities across the globe to access the Internet in local languages and scripts. Use of the Internet in local languages enables access to information and knowledge. As such, the following priorities can be highlighted in WSIS Action C3.

• Digital inclusion
• Meaningful connectivity
• Promote UA of all domain names and email addresses
• Skills development
• Capacity building

C4. Capacity building

Multistakeholder collaboration  is an important driver of capacity building. Technical communities, businesses, research communities, academia, and other stakeholders continue to build and strengthen the capacity and the knowledge base within low and middle income countries, and in rural, remote and underserved parts of the world, leading to the increased growth and development of the digital landscape. Expanding the Internet infrastructure and ensuring that the technology remains secure, resilient, and interoperable includes capacity building. For example, technical training and workshops, technical forums for sharing best practices, and educational materials and curricula. In light of that, the WSIS Forum can prioritize the following areas in the WSIS Action Line C4: 

• Multistakeholder collaboration
• Public private partnerships

C6. Enabling environment

The WSIS+20 outcome document reflects a clear consensus that the achievements in narrowing the digital divide were possible in part by the positive enabling environment, including enabling regulatory framework, for infrastructure growth and investment, and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders. WSIS Action Line C6 recognizes that an enabling policy and regulatory environment is the foundation for progress on digital transformation. Governments must continue to foster such an enabling environment that invites vibrant stakeholder collaboration and multidisciplinary expertise, and attracts infrastructure investment and promotes healthy competition. 

C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government

The provision of e-government services, especially at the local and municipal level, and their availability to be accessible in local languages, supports the needs of rural and remote communities. These digital services deliver vital essential services, such as preventative care and health information – a role that proved life-saving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-business

A globally interoperable Internet is the foundation of the digital economy. This technical foundation enables the delivery of ICT applications and services to scale and enhance various aspects of life, including increasing a country’s economic growth. Furthermore, ICT applications enable businesses to expand their global reach by participating in the digital market place. 

C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning

The ubiquity of ICTs and affordable and reliable Internet access has significantly expanded educational opportunities, overcoming geographical and socioeconomic barriers. Access to e-learning will be greatly increased through broader adoption of a system that will enable multilingual access to the Internet. ICT applications, including tools and platforms, are enabling greater access to online learning information, materials and resources, and training. 

C8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content

The WSIS+20 outcome document highlights the progress made since 2005 on the implementation of IDNs and progress made towards Universal Acceptance. Furthermore, the document urges stakeholders to ensure that the Internet and digital services support diverse language communities across the globe. 

C11. International and regional cooperation

Enhancing international and regional collaboration should go beyond government-to-government engagements. Nongovernmental stakeholders, including the technical community, private sector, academia, and civil society, bring valuable insights and innovative solutions that can be effectively implemented. Formalizing mechanisms to integrate multistakeholder collaboration within multilateral processes would improve predictability and coherence in addressing global digital challenges; and should be a priority for WSIS Action Line C11.