Agenda

As we mark two decades since the inception of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), this special session, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), provides a critical platform to reflect on progress, share key WSIS+20 updates, and engage in forward-looking dialogue on the future of WSIS beyond 2025.

Bringing together high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and the technical community, the session will highlight milestones achieved under the WSIS framework and explore emerging challenges and opportunities in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Participants will contribute to shaping a renewed vision for WSIS that supports inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital development in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and evolving global priorities.

Key Objectives:

• Share progress and key outcomes from the WSIS+20 process
• Reflect on lessons learned over the past two decades
• Explore visions and priorities for WSIS beyond 2025
• Foster multistakeholder dialogue in support of a people-centered, inclusive, and development-oriented information society

Join us for this important session as we chart the course for the next phase of WSIS and digital cooperation in a rapidly transforming global landscape.

Programme Agenda

10:00 - 10:30 

Moderator: Ms. Gitanjali Sah, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Welcoming Remarks

• ITU - Ms. Nur Sulyna Abdullah, Chief, Strategic Planning and Membership, and Special Advisor to the Secretary-General
• UNDP - Mr. Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer

Member States’ Insights

• Nepal - H.E. Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations
• South Africa - H.E. Ms. Mathu Joyini, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, PMRSA to the United Nations
• Switzerland - Mr. Thomas Schneider, Ambassador and Director of International Affairs, OFCOM
• Australia - Mr. William Lee, Assistant Director, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
• United Kingdom - Luke Champion, First Secretary, UK Mission 

WSIS+20 Co-Facilitator

• Albania - H.E. Ms. Suela Janina, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations

10:30 - 10:45 | UN WSIS+20 Joint Preparatory Process

• ITU - Ms. Gitanjali Sah, Strategy and Policy Coordinator
• UNESCO - Mr. Cedric Wachholz, Chief, Science, Technology and Innovation for Development Section
• UNDP - Ms. Yu Ping Chan, Head, Digital Partnerships and Engagement
• CSTD - Ms. Liping Zhang, Chief, Science, Technology and Innovation for Development Section
• UN DESA - Mr. Deniz Susar, Governance and Public Administration Officer

10:45 - 11:15 | WSIS – A Multistakeholder Inclusive Process

• International Chamber of Commerce - Dr. Luisa Scarcella, Global Policy Lead – Taxation and Trade
• ICANN - Mr. Alexey Trepykhalin, Government and IGO Engagement Sr. Manager
• Global Digital Justice Forum - Ms. Diane Chang, Senior Fellow
• Islamic Development Bank - Mr. Shaharyar Jawaid, Senior ICT Specialist
• World Benchmarking Alliance - Mr. Gerbrand Haverkamp, Executive Director
• Association for Progressive Communications (APC), Ms. Valeria Betancourt, Manager Advocacy Engagement

11:15 - 11:45 | WSIS Prizes 2025 Winners and Champions Showcase

Objective: Celebrate and learn from the 2025 WSIS Prize winners who exemplify excellence in ICT for development.

• Mr. Mohd Arif Adenan, Head, NADI Office, MCMC, Malaysia - WSIS Prize Winner Action Line C2
• Ms. Anoziva Marindire, African Union CIEFFA Youth Alumni - WSIS Prize Winner Action Line C9 Media
• Ms. Harla Octarra, Indonesia, WSIS Prize Winner Action Line C8
• Ms. Luciana Delgado Otero, Technical Adviser in the Governance and Policy Unit, FAO, WSIS Prize Champion Action Line C7: E-Agriculture

11:45 - 12:00 | Conclusion & Way Forward

Objective: Reflect on key insights, solidify next steps, and inspire continued collaboration.