CSTD consultation in Latin America and the Caribbean on WSIS at 20: Successes, failures and future expectations

WSIS+20: Assessing Progress and Shaping the Future of the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean

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 Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), 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 Latin American and Caribbean 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.

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 the region, 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 Latin America and the Caribbean.

This consultation will bring together a range of individuals and organizations invested in shaping the future of the information society in the region. Participants will include policymakers from Latin American and Caribbean governments, representatives from regional organizations, 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.