Session
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 75
Format description: This Open Forum will be conducted as an interactive way, with a focus on open discussions and multistakeholder participation. The idea is to create a space for open discussions and provide a lot of feedback. since the topics adressed are quite large, having sufficient time is essential. The roundtable layout is to permit the open discussions where all participants are sitting together at the same level.
As the WSIS+20 Review negotiations are approaching, this Open Forum will serve as a platform to bring together diverse stakeholders to discuss how to strengthen and update the WSIS framework into a "WSIS Plus" that is fit for purpose in addressing today's digital challenges. The session will focus on fostering inclusive, multistakeholder dialogue to ensure that the WSIS+20 Review process delivers a framework that is responsive to the needs of all stakeholders, integrates the Global Digital Compact (GDC) commitments, and addresses emerging digital governance issues. The Open Forum will be conducted in an open, brainstorming-style format, encouraging broad participation and open discussions. It will provide a space for stakeholders to share their perspectives, identify key priorities together, and hopefully propose actionable recommendations for a strengthened WSIS Plus framework.
This Open Forum will be conducted as an interactive way, with a focus on open discussions and multistakeholder participation. The session will include: • Opening Remarks: Brief introductions by moderators and key stakeholders, including updates on the WSIS+20 Review. • Open floor discussion on: A facilitated open discussion where all participants can share views, ask questions and propose recommendations on: o Strengthening multistakeholder engagement o Addressing subject matter gaps in the WSIS architecture o Addressing institutional gaps in the WSIS architecture • Closing Remarks: Summarize key takeaways of the discissions.
Swiss government, Federal Office of Communications OFCOM
Isabelle Lois, OFCOM, Goverment, WEOG
- Jorge Cancio / Isabelle Lois
- Min Jiang
- Juan Fernandez
- Flavio Wagner
- Maria Fernanda Garza
- Anita Gurumurthy
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Targets: This session proposal aligns closely with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering inclusive, multistakeholder dialogue on digital governance, which is essential for building transparent, accountable, and effective institutions in the digital age.
Report
Summary Report 09.07.2025
Open Forum #15: Building bridges for WSIS Plus: a multistakeholder dialogue
Moderator: Isabelle Lois, Online Moderator: Luisa Lendi
Speakers: Anita Gurumurthy, Flávio Rech Wagner, Maria Fernanda Garza, Min Jiang, Juan Fernandez, Olaf Kolkman, Eugenio V. Garcia
The Open Forum focused on the WSIS+20 review process and how to strengthen the digital governance architecture beyond 2025. It brought together diverse stakeholders, both geographically and across stakeholder groups, to discuss improvements to the WSIS framework and priorities for the WSIS+20 review. The basis for discussion was the (Swiss) WSIS non-paper, which outlines concrete ideas for a strengthened and updated WSIS framework. The paper reflects inputs gathered from numerous multistakeholder discussions over the past year.
In the first part, each speaker responded to a personalized question, drawing on their individual experiences as stakeholders. In the second part, the floor was opened to allow for a fruitful and open exchange between panelists and participants. The conversation was solution-oriented, with speakers building on each other’s ideas rather than engaging in conflict. As moderator, Isabelle Lois ensured a balanced discussion and provided space for all participants to contribute on equal footing. The tone remained optimistic and forward-looking, with speakers expressing hope for meaningful outcomes by the December 2025 deadline despite acknowledging the challenging geopolitical context and time constraints.
The relatively high number of in-person participants, including the presence of the WSIS+20 Review Co-Facilitators, Suela Janina (Albania) and Ekitela Lokaale (Kenya), was very much appreciated and underscored the strong interest in this forum.
Key themes emerged around meaningful connectivity, artificial intelligence governance, data sovereignty, and the need for better coordination between WSIS and the GDC, for example, by using a joint implementation roadmap to avoid duplication. Panelists emphasized the critical importance of including Global South perspectives and ensuring equitable participation in digital governance processes. The discussion also highlighted major concerns about the lack of sufficient public financing for WSIS implementation and the need for improved metrics to measure progress on digital inclusion and equity. With regard to the IGF, there was strong consensus on making it permanent with sustainable funding, while also expanding its scope beyond internet governance to address broader digital policy issues. Some participants debated whether a rebranding of the IGF might be needed to reflect its evolving role, while others argued that the current name remains relevant, as digital technologies remain fundamentally internet-based. The conversation also addressed structural gaps in the current system and proposed stronger institutional linkages between the IGF, the CSTD, the WSIS Forum, and the UN General Assembly. WSIS was described as a proven "toolbox," one that is flexible and technology-neutral, capable of addressing new and emerging challenges.
Isabelle Lois concluded by thanking all participants for the rich and forward-looking discussion, expressing optimism about achieving a “fair deal for all” through the WSIS+20 review. She emphasized the importance of inclusive participation and meaningful stakeholder engagement in shaping a just and sustainable digital future.
