The high-level meeting marked the conclusion of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a process launched in the early 2000s to guide global cooperation on digital development, access, and inclusion. While the summit initially focused on connecting people to the internet, delegates noted that today the challenge has shifted to ensuring digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), are governed in ways that protect human rights, build trust, and close widening digital gaps.
WSIS was created in 2003 to foster collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society, and technical experts, emphasizing a multistakeholder approach to digital governance that remains central today. At the 20-year review, participants reflected on the profound impact of digital tools on the economy, education, healthcare, and daily life, while highlighting that millions remain excluded from the digital world.
Addressing the General Assembly, its President, Annalena Baerbock, emphasized that internet access is essential for telemedicine, online education, and digital financial services, yet progress is slow, particularly in developing countries where women and girls are disproportionately left behind. She stressed that access alone is insufficient and highlighted the need for responsible governance of emerging technologies, as innovation often outpaces regulation.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of an outcome document reaffirming countries’ commitment to a people-centred digital future grounded in human rights and the UN Charter. The document calls for accelerated efforts to close digital divides, increased investment in digital infrastructure and skills, and more predictable policy environments to support sustainable digital development. It also emphasizes trustworthy governance of data and AI, building on commitments under the Global Digital Compact.
Member States encouraged stronger international partnerships to support AI capacity-building, particularly for developing countries, through training programmes, access to resources, and support for small businesses. The document also outlines plans to establish an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and to launch a Global Dialogue on AI Governance in 2026.
Throughout the process, speakers emphasized that shaping the digital future requires collaboration beyond governments. International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin noted that digital innovation must reflect human needs, while UNDP Associate Administrator Haoliang Xu described the review as both a recognition of progress and a guide for future action.
The people-centred message resonated beyond official discussions. Actor and filmmaker Joseph Gordon-Levitt highlighted the human side of digital transformation, emphasizing creativity, inclusion, and shared responsibility to create healthier digital spaces, particularly for vulnerable communities in the Global South. He praised efforts by the UN community to work for positive social impact rather than solely for profit.
