Session
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: Organized by ICANN and the Government of Finland, senior representatives from the organizers, The ITU, Smart Africa, and a leading academic and commentator on Internet policy and governance will share their views on the WSIS+20 Review and notable achievements of the WSIS process since 2005. The roundtable format will encourage participants to contribute to the discussion and highlight key priorities for the WSIS+20 review, such as the IGF and the importance of the multistakeholder model of Internet governance.
As the WSIS+20 review approaches at the United Nations later this year, the Open Forum roundtable will dive into key aspects in the history of WSIS and explore notable achievements in the WSIS Outcomes. The Open Forum roundtable brings together representatives from ICANN, ITU, UNESCO and Smart Africa, to share their perspectives and insights on WSIS+20. This session seeks to emphasize the significance of multistakeholder collaboration and partnerships, especially between the technical community, governments and intergovernmental organizations. Furthermore, explore the synergies among the WSIS and the SDGs, and also among the IGF, WSIS+20 High Level Event and the Global Digital Compact. The session will highlight ongoing activities and collaborations, as well as potential areas for future partnerships.
Session Objectives:
- Highlight key priorities for the WSIS+20 review such as the IGF and the importance of the multistakeholder model of Internet governance
- Showcase the Impact of partnerships and multistakeholder collaborations in achieving the WSIS Outcomes
- Highlight alignment of the WSIS Outcomes and the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs
- Increase Awareness of WSIS+20 Review through the perspectives Government, IGO, the Technical Community, and other stakeholder groups
- Look Beyond 2025: Discuss opportunities to address gaps and challenges
- ICANN, Adam Peake, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Technical Community, WEOG
- Juuso Moisander, Government of Finland, Government, WEOG
Speaker 1: Kurtis Lindqvist, President and CEO ICANN
Speaker 2: Jarno Syrjälä, Undersecretary of State for International Trade for Finland
Speaker 3: Yu Ping Chan, Head, Digital Partnerships and Engagement, UNDP
Speaker 4: Lacina Koné, CEO Smart Africa
Speaker 5: Fiona Alexander, American University Distinguished Policy Strategist
9.1
9.4
9.c
10.6
Targets: SGDs 9 and 10,building resilient infrastructure and reducing inequalities, are at the heart of our organizations' work. We each strive to develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, both at the logical "technical" layer and physical networks, and to ensure their deployment. The ITU has led work in the UN system that has significantly increased access to ICTs. The multistakeholder approach to governance we practice and promote ensures enhanced representation and voice of developing countries in decision making.
We are each also involved in other SDGs, for example ICANN and UNESCO and their work on Internationalized Domain Names is essential to the evolution of multilingual Internet. Smart Africa's mission includes many topics covered in the SDGs.
Report
Key Themes & Takeaways
1. Process and Timeline
- Yu Ping Chan (UNDP) outlined the WSIS+20 review process: a complex, multistage UN process with numerous agencies (ITU, UNDP, UNESCO) producing reports and gathering input. A formal outcome document is expected by the end of 2025.
- Speakers emphasized that the multistakeholder model is a foundational strength of WSIS and a priority to retain moving forward.
2. Government Engagement and Digital Divide
- Jarno Syrjälä (Finland) highlighted Finland’s strong support for the IGF, multistakeholderism, and digital inclusion.
- Discussion highlighted that bridging the digital divide—including issues of affordability, access, and skills—is critical. This includes support for women, rural communities, and human rights online.
3. Maintaining the Multistakeholder Model
- Fiona Alexander (American University) emphasized the need for civil society and all stakeholders to be meaningfully included in WSIS+20 decision-making.
- Cautioned against taking inclusivity for granted—stakeholders must "demand a seat and show up" in the process.
- Applauded current openness by WSIS+20 co-facilitators but stressed vigilance and active participation.
Key Achievements and Gaps
Successes
● Kurtis Lindqvist, emphasized WSIS-driven success in areas such as:
- Domain Name System (DNS) security
- Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs)
- Universal Acceptance (UA), supporting multilingualism online
● ICANN, the technical community, and the IGF, including regional IGFs, have helped build robust, decentralized infrastructures like IXPs (Internet Exchange Points).
Remaining Gaps
● Lacina Koné outlined four policy gaps critical for Africa:
- Meaningful Connectivity (including affordability and local relevance)
- Regulatory Harmonization (interoperable legal frameworks)
- Capacity Building (AI, cybersecurity, digital literacy)
- Digital Sovereignty and Coordination
He called for significantly increased African leadership and ownership in the next phase of global internet governance.
Poll Results (Live Audience & Zoom)
Participants were asked which WSIS initiatives need greater support:
● Top results:
- Digital capacity building (41%)
- Universal Acceptance and multilingual support (35%)
● Lower results:
- IGF as a platform (8%)
- Cybersecurity collaboration (16%)
- Open technical standards (0%) – possibly because they’re more mature now.
Practical Actions & Final Messages
Recommendations for stakeholders before December 2025:
- Share success stories, data, and tangible results from WSIS-linked initiatives.
- Use clear and accessible language when engaging UN diplomats—terms like "sovereignty" can be misinterpreted.
- Engage in upcoming consultations, particularly through the WSIS+20 High-Level Event and stakeholder feedback groups.
- Support and strengthen the IGF, including calls for regular UN budget funding.
Key Quotes:
- "We must not bypass what works—we must double down on multistakeholderism." – Fiona Alexander
- "Smart Africa is building the bridge between WSIS commitments and real results." – Lacina Koné
- "Language clarity matters—fragmentation risks losing what we’ve gained." – Kurtis Lindqvist
