About

fifteenth edition of the contest

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is pleased to launch the 15th edition of the WSIS Prizes, opening a new chapter for global recognition of digital impact following the outcomes of the WSIS+20 Review by the United Nations General Assembly. Stakeholders worldwide are invited to submit their projects and activities by 15 March 2026.

The WSIS Prizes 2026 offer a unique international platform to recognize WSIS Stakeholders as Winners and Champions for their excellence in harnessing digital technologies to advance the WSIS Action Lines, accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and contribute to the objectives of the Global Digital Compact. More than an award, the WSIS Prizes showcase how digital innovation delivers real, measurable impact for people and communities.

Created in response to calls from the WSIS community, the WSIS Prizes have become a trusted global mechanism for identifying, evaluating, and promoting initiatives that use digital technologies for sustainable development. Since their inception, the WSIS Prizes have engaged millions of stakeholders worldwide, reflecting the diversity, creativity, and commitment of the global digital community.

Building on the outcomes of the United Nations General Assembly Overall Review of WSIS (Res. A/70/1), which reaffirmed the close alignment between the WSIS Process and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the WSIS Prizes enter a renewed phase. They serve as the global showcase of success stories that translate WSIS commitments into concrete action, impact, and results on the ground.

This renewed mandate is further reinforced by ECOSOC resolution E/RES/2025/18, which underscores the importance of sharing best practices globally and encourages all stakeholders to nominate their initiatives for the annual WSIS Prizes as an integral part of the WSIS Stocktaking platform.

In 2026, 18 Winners and 72 Champions will be officially recognized during the WSIS Forum 2026 (6–10 July). Winning projects will be featured in the WSIS Stocktaking: Success Stories 2025 publication, while all submitted initiatives will contribute to the WSIS Stocktaking Report 2026, strengthening the global evidence base for digital development.

Join the WSIS Prizes 2026 and be part of the global movement shaping the future of digital cooperation. Submissions are welcomed from all stakeholders and follow a five-phase contest process, in line with the established Rules and Guidelines.

Call for Submissions

English عربي 中文 Español Français Русский

Phases

Five phases of the contest

Phase 1

Submission Phase
18 December 2025 – 15 March 2026

Phase one will initiate the call for submissions for the WSIS Prize 2026 contest. All stakeholders are invited to submit WSIS-related projects to the WSIS Prize 2026 contest, projects that they believe should be recognized and promoted, even if they do not necessarily hold ownership of them.

The contest is open to all stakeholders, including entities representing governments, the private sector, international and regional institutions, civil society, and academia. Each entity is allowed to submit no more than one project per category.

Submit