WSIS+20 Review
Introduction
Twenty years ago, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process set the stage for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance. As we approach the WSIS+20 Review, there are concerns that the implementation of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) could shift internet governance toward a more state-led approach, potentially sidelining civil society.
While the Global Digital Compact (GDC) offers valuable commitments for 2030, particularly relevant to our community those related to information integrity and media sustainability; these commitments should be integrated into the WSIS framework rather than established as a separate or parallel process. Embedding the GDC within WSIS allows us to build on two decades of progress and avoid fragmentation of the global governance architecture.
For that reason, this review, marking the 20th anniversary of the WSIS, presents a key opportunity to reaffirm the value of inclusive, human-rights based and multi-stakeholder governance. Ensuring the continued inclusion of civil society, media, and other non-governmental voices in shaping the future of digital governance and internet policy relies on the active participation of all stakeholders.
What is WSIS?
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) was initiated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1998 to address the global digital divide and evolving internet-related public policy issues.
This led to two pivotal summits: Geneva in 2003 and Tunis in 2005, resulting in foundational documents like the Geneva Declaration of Principles and the Tunis Agenda. These documents established the multi-stakeholder model for Internet governance, emphasising inclusivity and collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations like UNESCO, the OECD, and the World Bank. The upcoming WSIS+20 Review in 2025 will build on the work of the WSIS+10 review (2015), and set future priorities for digital governance.
Why should the media development and journalism support community engage in WSIS+20 Review?
The WSIS+20 Review is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to:
Defend media freedom and prevent state-centric governance models that risk excluding independent journalism and civil society.
Ensure that the Global Digital Compact strengthens, not sidelines, the WSIS framework.
Embed media priorities across all Action Lines—from infrastructure and access to ethics and inclusion.
Internet governance directly impacts the following priorities of the media development and the journalism support community:
Press Freedom: Safeguarding media independence in digital spaces.
Journalistic Safety: Addressing tech-based violence and harmful legislation.
Sustainability: Supporting media organisations facing economic and market challenges.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Shaping AI regulations and their implications for journalism.
For that reason, engaging in the WSIS+20 Review ensures:
A free and open internet, preserving independent journalism and civil society participation.
Human rights protection, defending media freedom and combatting censorship.
Inclusive digital governance, upholding the multi-stakeholder model and including diverse voices in shaping digital policies.
Active involvement in this process is essential to safeguard media independence, promote human rights, and strengthen journalism as a public good in the digital era.
GFMD Priorities for WSIS+20 Review
GFMD advocates for the WSIS+20 Review to reaffirm a transparent, inclusive, and rights-based approach to digital governance. The multistakeholder model must be preserved and strengthened. Action Line C9 remains vital to ensure that media, journalism, and access to trusted information are prioritized across all areas of digital policy.
GFMD's three key priorities, as presented in our Position Paper, are summarised below:
Foster Multistakeholder Internet Governance and Human Rights-Based Approach
The WSIS+20 review process should be firmly grounded in the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability. These principles are consistent with the Five Point Plan, strongly supported by a broad range of non-state actors. A strong multistakeholder model, as envisioned by the NETmundial Multistakeholder Statement, ensures that diverse perspectives, including technical experts and civil society, contribute to more holistic, legitimate, and effective governance.
Preserving Action Line C9 as a core component of the WSIS mandate
The sustainability and independence of journalism and public interest media are critical for any digital governance framework and for fostering resilient information ecosystems. Action Line 9 plays a fundamental role in upholding broader commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and internet governance.
Timeline and key outcome documents
The WSIS Timeline is available at ITU’s page, as well as a timeline for the 20 year review preparatory process.
Key outcome documents
Roadmap
The roadmap will lay out the process for the review, and is being drafted by the co-facilitators with support from UNDESA.
Published on May 21. Available here: https://www.un.org/pga/79/2025/05/21/letter-from-the-president-of-the-general-assembly-on-wsis20-review-roadmap/
Elements Paper
An Elements paper will be developed by the co-facilitators, with support from David Souter, drawing on WSIS+10 outcome, the CSTD report, the UNCTAD report.
This paper will summarise twenty years of progress and inform upcoming consultations run by the co-facilitators.
Published in June, 20, 2025, is available here.
Written inputs are invited from all stakeholders until 15 July 2025 via the dedicated submission form.
Zero Draft
Led by co-facilitators.
To be based on Elements Paper and inputs gathered through stakeholder engagement, both written and consultations.
Launch date in August 2025, according to the roadmap.
Final Draft
Led by co-facilitators.
To be based on intergovernmental negotiation and inputs gathered through stakeholder engagement.
Expected in November 2025
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