WSIS+20: Assessing Progress and Shaping the Future of the Information Society in Africa

In 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) established a vision for a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society. Now, twenty years on, the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), in collaboration with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), is convening a regional consultation to take stock of progress, address ongoing challenges and shape the future of this vision.

This consultation will provide a platform for African stakeholders to share their experiences, discuss emerging trends and identify strategies for harnessing technology to achieve sustainable development. Participants will engage in a multi-stakeholder dialogue on key issues. These include how the WSIS vision has evolved in the face of rapid technological change, the impact of emerging technologies (particularly AI) on human development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ways to strengthen international cooperation and governance for an inclusive digital future.

The aim of this consultation is to foster a comprehensive dialogue among African stakeholders on the implementation of the WSIS vision and to chart a course for future action. This involves evaluating the successes and challenges in implementing WSIS action lines over the past two decades, identifying persistent barriers to creating a people-centred information society and showcasing best practices that can inspire further progress.  A key goal is to generate actionable policy recommendations for various stakeholders and international partners to ensure an inclusive and sustainable digital future for Africa, aligned with the goals of the Global Digital Compact. Ultimately, the consultation seeks to strengthen partnerships and collaborative efforts that will drive effective WSIS implementation across the continent.

This consultation will provide a forum for participants to share insights and lessons learned on the implementation of the WSIS vision in Africa, discuss challenges and opportunities related to emerging technologies and their impact on sustainable development, and contribute to the development of recommendations for strengthening international cooperation and governance in the digital sphere. The outcomes of the consultation will inform the CSTD's final report on the WSIS+20 Review, which will be presented to the UN General Assembly.

This consultation will bring together a range of individuals and organizations invested in shaping the future of the information society in Africa. Participants will include policymakers from African governments, representatives from regional organizations, such as the African Union, international organizations focusing on ICT development, the technical community, the private sector (encompassing technology companies and telecommunications providers) and civil society organizations working on digital rights, inclusion and access.