WSIS+20 Review

Introduction

Organisations involved in the Global Digital Compact (GDC) negotiations may have faced challenges in engaging meaningfully, with limited space for civil society input. In contrast, internet governance has traditionally been more participatory, thanks in part to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the creation of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The IGF remains a key platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration, allowing governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia to shape internet policy together.

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. This review, marking the 20th anniversary of the WSIS, presents a key opportunity to reaffirm the value of inclusive, 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 media development and journalism support community engage in WSIS+20 Review?

The WSIS+20 Review is critical for:

• Press Freedom: Safeguarding media independence in digital spaces.

• Journalistic Safety: Addressing online harassment and harmful legislation.

• Sustainability: Supporting media organisations facing economic and market challenges.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Shaping AI regulations and their implications for journalism.

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.