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 international co-operation on digital development, access and inclusion, at a time when the internet was still in its infancy.
Two decades on, delegates agreed that the challenge has shifted from simply connecting people to ensuring that digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, are governed in ways that protect human rights, build trust and promote inclusive development.
WSIS was established in 2003 to help countries collectively manage the opportunities and risks of information and communication technologies. It introduced a multistakeholder model, bringing together governments, the private sector, civil society and technical experts, an approach that remains central to digital governance.
Addressing the General Assembly earlier in the week, its President, Annalena Baerbock, highlighted that internet access is now essential for services such as telemedicine, online education and digital financial inclusion. However, she warned that progress remains uneven.
While around two-thirds of the global population is online, access in developing countries remains significantly lower, with women and girls disproportionately excluded. She noted that the vision of a people-centred and development-oriented information society remains incomplete.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of an outcome document reaffirming Member States’ commitment to a digital future grounded in human rights and the principles of the UN Charter. The document calls for accelerated efforts to close digital gaps, increased investment in infrastructure and digital skills, and more predictable policy environments.
It also places strong emphasis on responsible data and artificial intelligence governance, building on commitments under the Global Digital Compact. Member States encouraged stronger international partnerships to support AI capacity-building in developing countries, including training, access to resources and support for smaller enterprises.
The outcome document further outlines plans to establish an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and to launch a Global Dialogue on AI Governance in 2026.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
