The following are the outputs of the captioning taken during an IGF intervention. Although it is largely accurate, in some cases it may be incomplete or inaccurate due to inaudible passages or transcription errors. It is posted as an aid, but should not be treated as an authoritative record.
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>> MODERATOR: We have two minutes left for the session to start. We're just doing our technical checks. Thank you for being here. We'll get started in a minute or so. Thank you. Good morning everybody. Thanks for joining us physically in Riyadh. Maybe I'll just stand. And, also, to all the virtual participants who have joined us today. We do know that many of our colleagues who couldn't be here are with us virtually.
So this is an Open Forum. If you notice on the web page, we've listed quite a few speakers, but those are all of those who wish to make interventions. We already listed them as speakers online.
So please do feel free to make your intervention. Once the co‑organizers and co‑hosts have spoken.
So the idea of the meeting is to provide you with an update of preparatory process for the WSIS+ 20 high‑level event. We're happy to have Schneider with us. It's more than 20 U.N. agencies who are working closely with us. I can see many of you in the room. Thank you for being here with us.
Before I begin to provide updates, I'd like to invite Matthew Schneider to welcome us and give us more information.
>> THOMAS SCHNEIDER: We'll see how this works. Good morning everyone. As we know, it's just a little over 20 years ago, the first summit of the Information Society. In December of 2003. Where not just the representatives of all the nations, but lots of other stakeholders gathered together in Geneva. And shared a division on development‑oriented information and digital society.
In addition, we formulated
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Concrete targets that should help us work toward the vision. We have created various processes for dialogue corporation and partnership among all stakeholders in their respective roles. This has allowed us to learn from each other.
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Today we are not at the end of our work at the corporation but still at the beginning. New tools like new technologies, incoming AI and the use of data have emerged. This means for us a call for even greater and more inclusive cooperation through government and strengthening our existing mechanisms. 2024 we are an important point in time for the near future.
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And the WSIS+ 20 forum high‑level event this May in Geneva, which took stock of the implementation of the action line. As we know now, the agreement on the global digital compact that should outline shared principles for an open, free, and secured digital future for all. This is, again, not the end. This is rather the beginning of a process that should lead us to some bigger decisions. Even bigger decisions at the end of next year. Next year, we'll have the WSIS+ 20 overall review by the U.N. General Assembly. Before that, we'll have a number of events and processes that run up to this. There's an important meeting of the CSTD, the science and technology development which is a clear follow up to the WSIS. And, of course, we have important events facilitated by the UNESCO and other specialized agencies with other partners, which should all contribute to an inclusive WSIS+ 20 process. Where all voices, from all regions, over the world, should be heard.
We have supported WSIS since 2003. We will continue to support all actors and processes to develop and implement goals.
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We are looking forward for this year's WSIS+ 20 forum high‑level event that is taking place from 7‑11 July in Geneva. Like last year in, in parallel with the AF Good Summit. And both events will be co‑hosted by Switzerland and the partners. And because there are so many people wanting to participate at these events, this year we had a queue. It was going from the conference centre, which is something I have never seen before in Geneva! So the whole thing will be moved. Geneva is a small place. So it's 5 or 10 minutes away by bus or train by the airport where we have more space to accommodate all people wanting to participate physically and, of course, it is possible to participate online.
Again, I think the most important of all these processes, and the measure that these ‑‑ or the criteria that all the processes and the events that we have leading up to the WSIS+ 20 review for us is really inclusivity. We do not want to hear a few voices from a few powerful stakeholders. It's important to give room to as many stakeholders can express their views, their needs, in particular, the ones that may not have the resources to follow everything. We have to be mindful to support those stakeholders that are less resourced. That are struggling to keep up with everything that is going on. And this, again, is why we strongly support the guidelines.
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To support stake holder that are normally not sitting at the table. That are normally not heard. This is the measurement for all the processes that we are seeing. It's not just something that we call multi stakeholder approach, but it's something that is actually a true, inclusive, and meaningful multi stakeholder approach. Involving everybody in their respective roles into these processes. We believe this is the only way to find verified solutions that create win‑win situations for us all. And not just for a few. Thank you very much.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you very much, Ambassador Schneider. And, also, for highlighting the real multi stakeholder philosophy of the WSIS process. It's really in the beginning of the WSIS process. We must continue to strengthen the WSIS forum as a platform for this kind of engagement.
And for those who haven't read the Chair's summary from the high‑level event this year, I'd like to encourage you to read it. It's really beautifully written document. Which also talks about the WSIS+. Have a look at it and in your considerations of WSIS beyond 2025.
And now I would like to invite Cedric from UNESCO to give us a little bit of UNESCO's perspective to the whole review process, and some of the important timelines that we must consider.
>> CEDRIC WACHOLZ: Now you can hear me. Okay. Let me start by thanking the co‑hosts, Switzerland, but, also ITU. For preparing for the last high‑level event but also for the next one. We'll be co‑organizing together. For your remarkable leadership and commitment to this work.
I have a full speech prepared. We have speech writers! I'm asked to be short. And some of the elements, I actually Thomas covered already for us. The multi stakeholder nature of WSIS. I need to emphasize that is important. I'm happy to see such a full room here. Online is one of our panelists.
What I found an interesting fact in the speech is that since 2009, over 120,000 participants from 160 countries participated, which is impressive! And, of course, we have now the task of the WSIS review, but, also, implementing the GDC building on the existing WSIS mechanisms. And so that will be helpful for this kind of translation into reality. So UNESCO is fully committed to support the process. We're working with stakeholders to prepare for conference, which was initially announced for mid February. But moved now to June. I wanted to share that with you. I have a few files here on AI and digital transformation process, which is part of the WSIS. I'm pleased to hand over the mic.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you so much. Thank you for being brief. Because the whole purpose of this meeting is to listen from stakeholders. Who are present here. I'd like to invite you to say a few words from UNDP.
>> PARTICIPANT: Thank you. I'm going say that, again, we're so honoured as UNDP to be here. What is important and critical to the conversation is the fact that the WSIS outcomes and the action lines are so much more relevant today than ever before. And so we're looking forward to the WSIS+ 20 to reflect the developments or reaffirming the importance that has brought us here together today. Of commitment to multi stakeholderrism, being open and inclusive, focusing on those most in danger of being left behind. In essence, the most enduring process at the IGF. It's all in line with UNDP is working together to everyone to ensure digital is an empowered force for those on the planet. We're proud to be here with our WSIS Co‑Chairs. We look forward to having you as part of the process. We stand ready to fully support it.
>> MODERATOR: Online virtually is with us is Torbjorn.
>> TORBJORN FREDRIKSSON: Thank you for thanking IGF for the WSIS event. I think it's the 16th time we'll hold it together now. And many thanks, also, to Switzerland for co‑hosting the event.
From the perspective of the U.N. Trade and Development. There's a valuable opportunity for achieving in‑depth, multi stakeholder, and constructive dialogue on every relevant aspect for the 20‑year review. It is essential that the commitments made by member states can feed into the discussion on the WSIS+ 20 review. And a decision what will come after and at the end of 2025.
At the same time as we consider how best to support the implementation, we need to fully harness the existing mechanisms we have set up as a result of the WSIS. This includes the very good division of labour that is established in the WSIS outcomes document. The partnership on measuring the U.N. group on information society, the IGU data base, and other initiatives. And we can also leverage the E‑trade for all initiatives, as well as E‑trade for women.
And the Commission on Science and Technology for Development which is some for the overall follow up of the WSIS was given a new role. I would urge all stakeholders this year to focus attention on what should be done to make sure that we achieve effective results from these various mechanisms and forums. Our collective work towards building, as we said, a people‑centred inclusive and development oriented information society is far from complete. Digital and E‑commerce divides, for example, remain wide and some are growing.
In the coming years, we need to give added attention to how to make the digital economy and society more inclusive and more sustainable. And the WSIS+ 20 high‑level event here offers a very good platform to explore the ways we should go to meet this challenge. We look forward to co‑organizing it with UNESCO and UNDP co‑hosted with Switzerland. Thank you very much.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you, Torbjörn Fredriksson. I would like to move on to my presentation. If we can put it in full screen. The presentation. Okay. Thank you very much. The clicker doesn't seem to work.
Okay. So, colleagues, just a gentle reminder. The people in the room are familiar with the WSIS process, but just to remind you of the important milestones that have brought us here. In 1998, in ITU conference in Minneapolis, Tunisia proposed the framework of the WSIS process. In 2001 there was a General Assembly resolution that suggested WSIS is organized in two phases. The first in Geneva that came with up the Geneva Plan of Action. And 2005. So the WSIS was rebranded into the WSIS forum in 2006. We had the overall review in 2015 where our mandate was decided to be updated to 2025.
In 2025 ‑‑ of course, also, in 2015, we had the SDGs. So we started aligning the WSIS ‑‑
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2025 we'll have the WSIS event.
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So the resolution says they should be a high‑level event. And a process will be adopted in 2025 which will highlight the future of WSIS process beyond 2025
So the structure of WSIS. You often hear in New York that WSIS doesn't have a government structure. It starts in New York. We have the UNGA resolutions, the ECOSOC resolutions, the CEB, the annual Wisconsin sis forum, the annual IGF, the U.N. Agencies mandated to implement the WSIS Action Lines
You know, Regional Commissions on the ground. WSIS Prizes, the partnership which is so crucial. UNESCO, ITU, and so on and so forth. And the WSIS Special Initiatives.
We are guided by our WSIS action lines. If you look at the WSIS action lines, it's a beautiful framework that covers the gamete of information communications technologies from ICT infrastructure to cybersecurity to e governance. And the beautiful framework that each U.N. agency, based on their respective mandates, actually lead the implementation of the action lines. For example, ICT infrastructure, cybersecurity, capacity building with the UNDP, and E business is done by UPU and ITC. Of course, UNESCO has several action lines that cover the knowledge societies part. It's a beautiful framework of the U.N. in action. So a lot of work is being done there. There are more than
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Now as all panelists before me said, multi stakeholderrism is the key principle of the WSIS framework. The U.N. framework called WSIS. We have our U.N. colleagues, we have the countries, we have young people who are following it, we have representatives from the technical community, the Civil Society, private sector, all have played a very passionate role in the implementation of the WSIS action lines since its inception. So we want to keep this spirit and the momentum alive. This is our wheel of implementation. I already touched upon it. The WSIS action lines, WSIS Forum, create implementation action wheel which is working very well. And all stakeholders are working together to implement it.
Now we heard about the GDC and the GDC we are happy it's been endorsed and already in action. There's a lot of similarities with the WSIS process. Capacity building, protection of human rights, innovation, knowledge sharing, ethical use of technology, AI inclusivity, bridging the digital divide. You can clearly see that, of course, there was always an alignment. And the U.N. group has actually worked on a matrix which is available online to map the WSIS process and the 2030 agenda with the GDC principles. And the existing framework that is already available to implement. The UNGIS group, those who haven't heard it, we're a group of U.N. agencies in the Chief Executive Body ensuring that digital remain an important mandate in our agendas.
What have we achieved since 2003? WSIS has targets. We have basic targets. Connecting the schools. So if you look at the maps, 280,000 plus schools are connected, but we need to do a lot more work. 65% of women are using the internet. 79% of youth are using the internet. We are working with WHO to collect the data for how many hospitals are connected. And 5.5 billion people online.
So these are great achievements, but we need to address the gaps. You know, and the new gap that's have been coming up. WSIS has continuously evolved with emerging technologies. The action lines have provided a sound framework to include and adapt to the emerging trends in technology.
So save the date. Ambassador Schneider informed us. We're moving to Palexpo Geneva. 7‑11 of July. Do book them! You can cancel later, if you need to. Please book them. Some of you had problems last year. Register soon. Register will be open. As WSIS is a U.N. process, we'll have accreditation and visa support from Switzerland. It will be available soon.
Our objectives. We use the WSIS+ 20 high‑level event to look at what we have achieved in 20 years. Next year we should look at beyond. We want more outcomes, and concrete actions and suggestions from all stakeholder communities. The private sector, Civil Society, technical community, governments, U.N. systems, what are we doing beyond 2025? We need to start thinking and engaging.
So our agenda is built through an Open Consultation Process. This is one of the venues where you have to provide your suggestions. But there is an online forum that you should be filling up and submitting your suggestions. Until the 14th of March. So based on this, we'll be building our agenda and programme.
So the Open Consultation Process. The next one would be in February, 11th of February, at the headquarters. In April, we don't know the date. And 10th of June, we'll be having the final brief. Draft agenda. This is how it kind of looks like. Very, very draft.
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We're waiting for the inputs through the Open Consolidation Process. But this is kind of the skeleton. And we'll upload this presentation on the website, so you can take it from there, as well.
Consisting of, you know, high‑level tracks, prizes, hackathon, Ambassadors and Regulators Roundtables, the U.N. in Action exhibitions, and the 20‑year celebration. We must celebrate what we have achieved.
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Key topics, the youth day. WSIS+ 20 review, business and academia round tables, the gender track is extremely important for all of us here. The U.N. focus on the implementation action lines. And Civil Society roundtables. So high‑level track, we are also looking at the participation of heads of states this year. We have received several, you know. Because we'll be celebrating the 160th anniversary during the AI for good and the WSIS high‑level event.
Of course, you heard about the data base. This is a beautiful data base by the people and for the people! We are just the means to, you know, ‑‑ we're just providing a platform. It's searchable by the categories. It's a wealth of information of what is going on. The WSIS prizes, I can see so many have been champions and winners stepping into this room. Please don't forget to submit before the deadline. It's 10th of February.
Interesting. We want to capture your WSIS story. Please participate in this campaign. It's a social media campaign. Join us on what WSIS has done to impact you, your lives, or your organization' lives in 20 years.
So we had the story from Marcus, but it doesn't work. And, colleagues, can you try to click on play and if people can hear it. Can you hear it? Okay. I'll leave the presentation online. We had Marcus' story and Wendy's story from the Dominican Republic. How WSIS has impacted their lives and the organizations, of course.
So, colleagues, WSIS is extra budgetary. We always look for partnerships. In terms of the partnerships, we do give visibility at the WSIS Forum. We're thankful to those who have already confirmed your sponsorships for WSIS. I don't think I can take your names yet, because agreements are being signed. Thank you so much. You know who I'm talking about.
Some of them are still open, so please do get in touch with me, in case you would like to be visible at the high‑level event. Again, a quick reminder for the calls. The open consultation, processes excess, if you want workshops, exhibition processes, please inform us. The WSIS data base, register there. A photo contest, which I didn't talk about. We have a really wonderful repository of photos from the ground. Of people implementing WSIS on the ground. If you'd like to use it for your presentations, for your reports, please feel free to use them! The special prizes hackathon. We're planning to do a hackathon. If you are interested in it or have other suggestions, please get with us.
So I'll stop here now. There are some slides on the review, which I can probably go through very quickly. But I'll leave this presentation online. So some of the important timelines identified during our weekly meetings. We have a joint preparatory process of ITU, UNESCO. The milestones, of course, starting in SDG digital in 2023. It goes on the next one would be the IGF in Norway. Then the review, the Paris Phase in June that Cedric spoke about. Geneva WSIS+ 20 high‑level event and New York. All of us are doing a lot of work. ITU has a role at WSIS+ 20. UNESCO has a report. And the CSTD will come up with the WSIS+ 20 report very soon.
Maybe I can then very smoothly pass on to Cynthia, if our chair would like to ....
>> CYNTHIA LESUFI: In the resolution, we included an invitation to contribute their views on the work of the ITU.
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In terms of the timeline, the ITU is supposed to issue an online forum, which was launched in August of 2024. For all stakeholders. To then respond to the call and the deadline for that is the 31st of January, 2025. And following that, we then had the first physical meeting, which took place in October 2024. Of the council Working Group and WSIS and SDG. And the next is happening in February in 2025 with the working group on WSIS and SDG holding its second physical meeting. And then we'll move to the 7 to the 11th July, 2025, where we'll be having a side event during the WSIS+ 20 high‑level event in 2025. Thank you.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you, Cynthia. And South Africa for being a close partner of the process. Also, to remind you, the U.N. has been working on updating the action lines in terms of content. They have updated their action lines on the context, the 20‑years of achievements. I would encourage you to visit the page on WSIS forum and have a look at the wonderful work our colleagues have done.
We are now opening the floor, of course, and passing on to our Vice Chair South Korea from council working group on council and SDGs. Meni, the floor is yours.
>> MENI ANASTASIADOU: Thank you. I was going to share a bit of updates. So as you know, Asia‑pacific regions are large and diverse.
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unique challenges, as you know. The small and developing countries and underdeveloped countries. These create unique challenges and opportunities. So we all work together. So we all put our work together. So over the past 20 years, this region has made a significant progress in advancing the WSIS outcomes. Thanks to the collective efforts of member states and ITU and other WSIS members and many other stakeholders. So this collaboration has lead to remarkable
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so I'll explain more at the next session. I just briefly wanted to share with you.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you so much, Meni. We also have APC leading the work on the ground. So much implementation. Over to you, Anriette Esterhuysen.
>> ANRIETTE ESTERHUYSEN: Thank you very much so much. We're an international network of member organizations from around the world. We work in around 70 different countries. We have been part of the WSIS process from the onset. We have a facilitator that is a unique bit of history we sometimes forget.
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I think for Civil Society, this is a great opportunity. Can you hear me? Can you hear me now? On what is unique about the WSIS version, it integrates a Human Rights‑based approach to development. To social and economic justice. It is about a people‑centred information society. Not a digitally‑centred information society. And already APC, along with IT for change has initiates a new forum called the Global Digital Justice Forum, which is bringing together primarily, but not exclusively Civil Society from the global south to use this opportunity to launch a revived Digital justice Agenda.
I think WSIS is also, for us, as a multi stakeholder community to find the kind of community and collaboration. The north/south, business, tech, Civil Society, U.N., government solidarity. Which, you know, I think is important. It's not just about multi stakeholder collaboration. It's also about international collaboration. And international solidarity.
Just to say that I think, I mean, one proposal I would make. I think it's incredible that you've already has done this analysis. That combines the objectives with the WSIS action lines. One suggestion will submit it. But I want to make it now already. I think to use the WSIS forum, to have the high‑level component, which is useful to bring governments to the WSIS forum. But to have an event‑design approach. Where you actually work. Rather than have lots of workshops, to bring the community together. To validate the work that the action line facilitators have done in updating the action lines to assist how that relates to the GPC objectives. And maybe have an open space or proposal. Instead of people just all presenting their own workshops, they actually assess and analyse what have we achieved? Where are the gaps? And look at the action line updates that the U.N. agencies have prepared. And comment critically and creatively on those. So we leave the WSIS forum not just with workshops, but active output that can inform both the implementation and the WSIS+ 20 review.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you very much, Anriette Esterhuysen. Indeed, we were thinking of doing that. Knowledge cafes brainstorming sessions with the action line facilitators and this community to look at all this work that has been done. Thank you. But, please, do submit it through the forum, as well.
Is Cheryl here? I do not see her here. But Cheryl. No? Could you please check if she's online. Cheryl. I can see Meni. This has been the private sector of the WSIS process. Right since the inception. So, Meni, what are your plans and what is the vision for ICC beyond?
>> MENI ANASTASIADOU: Thank you. We're the International Business Organization. We represent over 45 new businesses across 170 countries. We'll be at the WSIS forum next year. A crucial year as we're preparing ourselves. We're looking forward to make sure that we bring
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Preparation ahead of the review. So there are a few considerations that we really consider, let's say, crucial and have the WSIS+ 20 review. On the importance of the information ecologies and the internet and how they hold enormous potential for social and economic growth. And, of course, the potential can only be unlocked when there is multi stakeholder collaboration across governments, Civil Society, business, the technical, and the academic community.
And those all have held true through WSIS, through the WSIS forum. That really tracks the progress made over the past year since the WSIS first took place in 2003 and 2005. And really do see the Wisconsin sis forum as a valuable component in the process of tracking the progress made and making sure we're heading to the right direction.
So, again, as business, we are really taking our role seriously in advancing the WSIS action lines. And we will make sure to be present at the WSIS forum to work with governments on the ground. To work with the stakeholders on the ground. To inform and partner together and to inform the process and partner together for ensuring outcomes that serve everyone's interests.
So just, really, to reiterate our support for the WSIS forum next year. We'll be there. We're looking forward to the discussions that will be taking place. Thank you.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you so much, Meni. We look forward to the private sector brainstormings and the sessions.
Cheryl is from the United States council for international business. She was supposed to be here but she's not here. They have already informed us, with you, they'll be doing some sessions bringing the business perspective to the WSIS beyond 2025. Thank you so much for being here with us!
I also see Renata from Brazil. Our Vice Chair representing the region. So perspectives from your region, please.
>> RENATA AQUINO RIBEIRO: Good morning. Can you hear me? Yes? Sorry. Because my channel just changed here. Sorry.
From our perspective, we are also aligned about the needs to updated action lines for this moment now. So we have new and emerging technology that we need to be considered. And, also, the sustainable when bringing technologies. I think we have to consider to make WSIS+ 20. And about the collaboration of the multi stakeholder environment is important. And the collaboration between government and private sector and Civil Society are very important to continuing to have unique, open, free internet. So thank you very much.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you, Renata. We have a remote participant that wants to say something.
>> IT FOR CHANGE: This is IT for Change. There are a set of issues we feel the review process needs to look at. I think it's important to turn the table that the foundation governing as global public good. And the issue should be brought up again.
And the second issue is that when we look at the question of the digital divide. We see that the digital divide is continuing to divide connectivity. But there are new divides in data capabilities. And the opportunity to design concrete targets for financing and development. A sense to build digital infrastructure must be put back on the table. When we look at the action line on the ethics and information society, we need to reinvigorate to look at how we can promote human rights effectively in the market concentration and human rights violations in value chains.
Finally, we need a data and AI constitution at the global level. And the issue of gene sequences and how this is changing the implementation of the biodiversity. It's good for this. And how do you govern data flows from the development justice basis? And reconcile the political question for digital ‑‑
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These issues become important. Many of the issues are now channeled through enhanced cooperation processes for which the global digital compact has been. I think it's essential given the multi stakeholder principle to look at how we can expand the role of the U.N. Internet Governance Forum. It might be a critical issue for us to discuss. Thank you so much.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you. Now I would like to invite
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>> PARTICIPANT: Thank you for inviting me
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We are so concerned about the ICT and the sector. And the bank had drafted its ICT sector policies which have four main pillars. Including infrastructure and regulations and main streaming. ICT and all. This is the pillars of the policy is fully aligned with the WSIS action plan. And if you see the listed action lines in the first presentation. Our main focus areas is full aligned with the action lines of forces.
We see that the partnership is the key. Because we found there is huge requirements in terms of finance and private sector involvement. Because of that, especially at the institutions, we are having 57‑members countries, and the south. So we see that capacity building. And development regulations for promoting private investment is a key. And because of that, we have many programmes in the capacity development and capacity and regulations of the least developed countries to promote the private investment in the sector. We have sharing of expertise from countries in the north or even the south to some of the least‑developed countries in the sector.
So with that, we see that private investment and development of the regulations. In addition to building some infrastructure is a key for development. Thank you so much. Thank you.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you. We look forward to seeing you. Sweden has the floor.
>> PARTICIPANT: Thank you. It's working. Hi everyone I'm Felix Nyström from the Sweden Ministry Foreign Affairs.
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Like this? It's better? Thank you. Based on our mission in Geneva. We fully support the multi stakeholder model embodied through the WSIS process and the IGF and are excited about the important WSIS events and milestone of 2025.
A lot of momentum in this process now since the adoption of the GDC which we were proud to co‑facilitate with our friends from Zambia. As you may know, the modalities of the new Office for digital and emerging technologies. The follow up being discussed and debated in New York. From our perspective, it's important to avoid duplication, as we've heard from others here in the room. There is already a lot of input and work being done by various U.N. agencies. And we want to avoid duplication in that regard.
Additionally, another priority for us is the ‑‑ what's the word? Ensuring human rights main stream across these initiatives being taken. We're excited about the new AI dialogue being proposed and, importantly, also, the new AI advisory board and mission to be organized by the OHCHR. So that's it for me. Thank you.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you very much, Felix.
>> CRAIG STANLEY-ADAMSON: Good morning. Everyone. My name is Craig Stanley‑Adamson. My comments are around the process, particularly in the high‑level event next year. I would like to touch upon a couple of points that have been made today. First of all, I'll say, I fully agree with my Swedish colleague about avoiding the duplication. We accept the WSIS will play a strong role. As well as delivering the processes such as SDGs. I want to comment on the action lines. These are crucial. We should be a little bit cautious how we approach them. For example, they were designed as deliberately agile and tech neutral at the time. It means they can stay current to the present day and beyond. Instead, we need to look at how we frame the outcome of WSIS documents around the impacts of these technologies. Particularly future‑focused and action‑oriented way that can ensure that the action lines remain current going forward beyond 2025. So touching upon the process that we are talking about earlier. Thank you for the presentation.
It's a great start! We, obviously, fully support the multi stakeholder process and participation behind this. And I think, for us, the crucial element to this, alongside these events that will take place over 2025 is the role of the co‑facilitators. Of course, we don't know who they will be yet. Whoever they are, they will play a key role in the process. One thing that could be important for the high‑level event in July next year, for them to be present at this event. Alongside all the other events that are taking place. They need to make sure that they get a true audience with the multi stakeholder community. And I think one thing will be crucial, as well, it's interesting to get views from U.N. agencies is whether they can work together with the co‑facilitators to ensure there is some form of paper to be presented at the U.N. IGF or the high‑level event in July. So all countries have the opportunity to comment ahead of the process that will take place. Thank you very much.
>> MODERATOR: So that would be a nice direction that the WSIS process would take. So we are waiting for that, actually!
I would like to invite Globethics. It's a brother of the WSIS, right. Tell us more about it.
>> WALLACE S. CHENG: That's is a foundation based in Geneva. We started as one of the outcomes of WSIS. With objective to promote access to knowledge and ethics of the ICT. So I want to make one point to compliment what we have heard. Is that the inclusiveness was highlighted in the beginning of the process. And 20 years later, I think the inclusiveness needs to be raised. Go beyond workshops and dialogues to more to encourage and support local innovation.
For example, we thought about how we can ‑‑ as someone mentioned, how we can identify the gaps of those local innovation. How to build a match‑making platforms between global, business, Civil Society, between innovators, local innovators, and with philanthropy, with government, with multilateral. I think just to conclude, I think that there's opportunity for us to work together to raise the inclusiveness. Thank you.
>> MODERATOR: Wallace, if you could just pass the mic to Samia. She's just behind you. Okay.
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>> SAMIA MELHEM: Hi. Samia Melhem ‑‑
>> MODERATOR: Is Samia Melhem in the room? Apologies. Okay.
>> SAMIA MELHEM: we fully support. We have been cooperating strongly in the processes. We'll keep doing the same. We're in a crucial moment. It was already mentioned in the room, we need to create some organization and create some clarity about all these instruments and how they can be used. Thing is a strong message I've been hearing since the beginning. Thank you very much.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you. How can we make our youth day at the WSIS forum more action oriented? Halima Ismaeel.
>> HALIMA ISMAEEL: Thank you for your invitation. Contributing to an e‑waste crisis. So I think WSIS must recognise they're reusable global goods in achieving these goals. I think WSIS and the WSIS process to focus on this.
The second thing I want to mention as the WSIS process is always focusing on AI and IOT. There are new emerging technologies to be focused on. Like the digital technologies. And fibre technology. For example, when I am working on submarine cables, if any cables need there's an auto repairing of the cable. I think we should focus on this.
The third technology I want to mention is spectrum management. I think this is a important topic we should focus on. I think engaging youth in the WSIS is a good thing. And thank you.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you so much, Halima. You brought so many important points into the conversation. Please submit your inputs through the open consolidation process. That's how the agenda is built. It has a bottom‑up‑approach. Oh, hello! I noticed you were here. Thank you for joining us. As the host and mod, one of the Strategic Partners of the WSIS forum. Saudi Arabia. Would you like to please say a few words?
>> TAWFIK JELASSI: Thank you so much. Good morning everyone. It's good to be here with you. And I see many familiar faces. Being in Riyadh, I welcome you again. And I hope all of you enjoy your good time!
Of course, the WSIS is very critical subject at the moment. And as we heard already, the GPC was adopted with an ambitious objective and target. We wasn't expecting such a successful outcome from the United Nations. I'm sorry. I'm not very comfortable talk from that point.
So the challenge, in my point of view, is the implementation part of the global digital compact. If we read that section of the GPC, it's not clear exactly who will implement and follow up that process. So we have the WSIS process, nearly the IGF. We have the New York, and, of course, the many United Nations agencies. All of them will contribute to implementation. But here we have risks. We have the risk of wasting the financial and the human resources from all sides. From, you know, the United Nations side and from the whole stakeholders, the private sector, the Civil Society. So it will be quite difficult for all of us, you know, to streamline and to follow up the implementation of the GPC. Now I think it's crucial for all of us, all the stakeholders, to make sure the main objective of the GPC it should be implemented somehow with the WSIS review process. This is good for all of us. To make our life much easier. To have a single to follow up, participate, and continue. And the many agencies could be a part of this.
So as you've said, Gitanjali Sah, there will be assignments for the co‑facilitator. For my point of view, it's good to focus. One of the good aspects to be focused on is how to streamline. How to maximize the collective efforts between the different agencies.
Gitanjali Sah, I'm sorry. I wasn't prepared, you know, to take the floor. But this is a chance to take! Thank you so much!
>> MODERATOR: Thank you very much. Saudi Arabia had a very crucial role in the WSIS process. The success of the 20 years of implementation. So thank you very much for that.
Ambassador Schneider?
>> THOMAS SCHNEIDER: Thank you. It's obvious listening to the discussion that the expectations are very high. Also diverse. That we have a limited amount of time and a limited amount of resources to actually accomplish what we are hoping or trying to achieve. So I think it is, just to follow up on what our colleague has said. We need to concentrate and focus resources. We need to try bringing the different threats together. Of course, you can't ‑‑ there's not one‑size‑fits‑all. I think it's crucial we built on the existing structure of the U.N. specialized agencies in their fields with their partners. In all the countries. And the network that has been facilitated by a number of partners over the past 20 years. That the political vision of the GPC. If we create a new structure, it will take another 10 years. We have no choice. On building on the WSIS process and in an inclusive way and efficient. It's not easy to combine. But I think we have to find a way. We have 20 years of experience with the WSIS framework. We know, more or less, what works, but it's more difficult. We have to concentrate on using this framework. In terms of substance, we will not have too much time to discuss about how do we ‑‑ which action lines we need to transform or renew. We may need to have some discussions on this so the framework is up to date. But I agree with Meni. It's fairly technologically neutral. We may not have reinvent the wheel. There are some issues also identified. This is already main streamed into the work of the UNESCO, UNDP, other institutions. We need to bring it together in an open and transparent way. It's not going to be easy. I think together we can do it. We have to do it. Thank you.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you, Ambassador Schneider, for the passion. And you can, this is the reason why the WSIS process is so effective. Because of the passion of all the stakeholders working for more than 20 years. And we were reminded in the previous session, you know, we started from community radios. The open‑source movement. Like, basic technologies. The world has evolved. Because of the passion and the hard work of the community here. You asked for the floor. Please introduce yourself.
>> PARTICIPANT: I'm from Kuwait. First,
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20 years my colleague but I forgot his name.
[ Laughter ]
Right. We're getting older. We're getting older! And, of course, second the comments that have been said from our partners from Saudi Arabia and focusing and concentrating their efforts. And the comments from Thomas. I just need a clarification. You have mentioned that there would be open consultation. And that consultation of the WSIS and the SDG. Usually the working group meeting is only for member states and sector members. Is the open consultation and SDG is multi stakeholder? Just a clarification, please.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you. So, basically, we use the opportunity for all of you being in Geneva. And we'll have, like, one hour outside the council working group to expand it to the community to be present. So it'll not be part of the council working group.
Yes. You can. You can just come for the meeting. I had a seen a hand here. Did you raise your hand, sir? Okay. Giacomo.
>> PARTICIPANT: I will collaborate on what has been said by previous speakers. It's about the process of the future. The WSIS+ 20. Within the WSIS process, you're doing the same reflection we're doing within the IGF. In the IGF we're discussing not only about the renewal of the mandate. But about the change of the mandate. And I think that the change of the mandate could be an opportunity to bring forth the strength and the relationship between the WSIS and the IGF. There is a similar process going on on that.
>> PARTICIPANT: Good morning everyone. Michael from U.N. refugee agency. We work on this process. Looking forward to supporting as much as we can. With the digital strategy, it's digital protection, it's digital inclusion. And, really, information integrity is becoming more and more important. With 120 million displaced and many stateless, as well, we would love to work with you to see how we can build the voices into the conversation. Both at the event and leading up to the event. Happy to help and happy to get truly multi stakeholder approach in. Thank you.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you, Mike. We hope to see more of the work at the WSIS forum. We have been connecting the refugee centres to the WSIS forum in the past. That would be great if we could continue that and strengthen it. Thank you so much!
So any ‑‑ okay. Anorak and then one last?
>> ANRIETTE ESTERHUYSEN: Thank you so much for letting me speak again. I was inspired by Halima and Thomas.
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>> ANRIETTE ESTERHUYSEN: You're not hearing me. You're not hearing me. Sorry. Sorry. Apologies. And I think that that the power of WSIS is that you have the continuity. You have all the people. And they are in this room. Because they are working. They are implementing on the ground. And then I'm here. We work a lot in spectrum. Dynamic Management about spectrum and community networks. When I hear Halima talk about the power of spectrum. I think that's incredible! Small and developing states. There's a potential. I think with need to bring new voices in. We need to innovate. But I think our real power is the intergenerational, interinstitutional. And, I suppose, intertech. The fact that the WSIS represents people that are still working in basic digital equality and access. But also engaging with new and emerging charges. I want to make one other reflection which is more procedural.
The WSIS has two outcome documents. It has the Geneva documents, the Plan of Action, which has the action lines and the agenda which includes financing mechanisms. And, of course, Internet Governance. I'm wondering for we can't, this year, at the WSIS forum, include those action lines. In quotation marks. The outcome areas of how we design and structure the event. Because I think there is a concern about financing mechanisms. It's in the pact for the future. It's mentioned in the global digital compact, as well.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you, Anriette Esterhuysen. These comments are well taken. Please submit them through the open consolidation process. There's a form. This is absolutely transparent. Once we receive your request, it is put into the agenda of the event.
And we also reflect all these inputs online. So we wanted to be, like, the transparent. So submit all these inputs into the open consultation process. Yes. Okay.
>> AUDIENCE: Thank you. I think growing on the new faces approach that we started. We started participating in WSIS a few years ago. We're the Brazilian Association of Internet Providers. I would like to participate in the consultations and make sure we're bringing the small and medium enterprises approach and review to the WSIS, as well. Because we play, at least in Brazil, play an important part. On ICT and infrastructure, as well.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you so much. This has been an important track at the WSIS forum. Small and medium enterprises. You're most welcome!
We also do a hackathon every year, like I mentioned. We have many innovations coming up. We're looking for incubators, as well. If you're interested in incubating. These young, interesting talents that come out of the hackathons. We would be happy to connect you. I maybe will close with the young lady I met during breakfast. She's doing such amazing work mentoring young women and girls. In Peru and Paris.
>> AUDIENCE: Good morning. I'm under the U.N. definition, I've been participating in youth Ambassador in 2019. And I want to bring the perspective South America. As a Peruvian living in Paris, but contributing from the Latino perspective.
There is a lot to do still in terms of the future of AI. I believe it's in our hands. I think the Council of Europe AI convention is a huge milestone and sets the first step on having global standards on AI regulation. There's a lot to do. When I Gitanjali Sah, we need to think beyond 2025. Right. And with that being said, the gender‑data gap is a topic that was brought by our host. Our Minister that did amazing presentation in the Open Ceremony. So the numbers are there. I will not repeat them. But what can we do for that?
My small piece is mentoring girls. I think we need to change the mind set so they can go out of school thinking, "yes, I can be part of the S.T.E.M. sector!" But if it's possible, I would like to raise my voice and ask all the Ambassadors that are here and policy makers. So we can have an action line on gender gap. I think it's necessary. I have not seen it in WSIS. If it's not in the declaration, maybe having it as an annex. Or I don't know the exact word that the policy can make. But think about gender gap. It's an important topic. Because only three out of 10 professionals working in AI are women. The data that is being used to train the AI systems are not representative. So please. And we don't need to be Ambassadors in order to make a change in that. Right. If in our respective roles, we can do something like mentoring kids or sending proposals with expectations. I just finished the UNESCO consultation process in Peru. There's something we can do. Let's do it! There's small steps make a change. Thank you so much for the space.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you! We have actually run out of time. But very short. Very short.
>> AUDIENCE: Good morning. I'm from Pakistan. I had an organization which is called digital data, which connects communities to the internet and helps them capitalize on the power that the internet has brought. I've been with this community for over 20 years now. As well as the WSIS process. So over the years, one thing we've, you know, there are so many developments. Like all of my friends here, including Thomas. But one community that still feels left out is our rural communities. And our rural communities in my part of the world is 65% of the population. When we connected the villages to the internet, we found there was so much talents and so many perspectives that have never been heard.
So the real process also encourages us to look at, you know, what things have been either left out and neglected or haven't been adequately included. Those are our rural communities. I would request the host country, as well as, you know, the international stakeholders to have specific, you know, village which highlights the struggle to connect to the internet. Despite our 4G, 5G, 6G efforts. Rural communities, to date, remain disconnected. They require extraordinary attention. They're the others that we're trying to work for and connect.
The second thing I would like to offer is, mentoring for start‑ups. I'm connected to the network and we can offer you that possible for mentoring the kids, the youth, to actually build initiatives for the next 5 or it 10 years. That would have a huge impact on the future of WSIS. Thank you.
>> MODERATOR: Thank you very much.
We'd like to end our session here. But in the same room at 11:30 we have session lead by South Africa and our Vice Chairs. So please be there. In the same room. Thank you so much.