The Internet is a powerful tool for humanity, connecting the most remote parts of the world, educating billions, and unlocking new economic opportunities. As we approach the World Summit on the Information Society’s 20-year review (WSIS+20), it’s time to reaffirm our commitment to a people-centric, inclusive, and development-oriented information society.
We at the Internet Society believe that to advance the WSIS vision, we must focus on what works. The Internet’s success is due to its core principles: open standards, collaboration, and innovation. These principles have enabled the Internet to become a global infrastructure that drives digital transformation for the benefit of all.
Sharpening the WSIS Action Lines
The WSIS action lines have guided our progress towards an inclusive digital future. However, to ensure they remain relevant and actionable, we must sharpen their focus and align them with the Global Digital Compact’s (GDC) commitments. The GDC should complement, not redefine, the WSIS framework.
This means:
- Making the WSIS action lines more concrete and measurable.
- Maintaining a technology-neutral approach to ensure the WSIS outcomes remain relevant in the face of rapid technological change.
- Incorporating the GDC commitments to avoid duplication and ensure a cohesive approach.
The Only Way Forward: A True Multistakeholder Approach
The multistakeholder approach is fundamental to the success of both WSIS and the GDC. This collaborative model, ingrained in the Internet’s DNA, has enabled us to address evolving challenges and find resilient solutions.
To ensure a true multistakeholder approach:
- All stakeholders must have a meaningful impact on decision-making, not just token participation.
- We must adhere to the NETmundial+10 guidelines to improve multistakeholder participation in multilateral processes.
- We must recognize and address power asymmetries among stakeholders to ensure that all voices are heard.
The technical community, with its expertise and experience working across sectors, is indispensable in this process.
Evolving the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
The IGF is the primary platform for multistakeholder dialogue on Internet governance. Its value lies in its ability to inspire local action and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape.
To ensure the IGF can continue to fulfill its mandate:
- It must be given a permanent mandate with sustainable funding.
- It must refine its agenda-setting process to better address emerging issues and ensure focused outcomes.
- It must continue to evolve and strengthen its engagement with national and regional Internet governance initiatives (NRIs).
Working Together for a Better Internet
The Internet is not just a tool; it is a fundamental enabler of progress. By upholding the principles that have made the Internet successful—openness, collaboration, and innovation—we can ensure it remains a force for good in the world.
We must sharpen the WSIS action lines, embrace a true multistakeholder approach, and evolve the IGF to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Only by working together can we realize the full potential of the WSIS vision and build a better Internet for everyone.
Join the Conversation
The Internet Society is committed to working with all stakeholders to advance these goals. In the coming weeks, the Internet Society will launch our WSIS Community Group, a dedicated space for our members to collaborate on how we would like to shape the future of the WSIS process together. Your voice matters. Together, we can ensure that the Internet continues to empower people and communities around the world.
The Internet Society remains committed to working with all stakeholders to advance these goals and ensure that the Internet continues to be a force for good for everyone!
What are your thoughts on the WSIS+20 Review? Let us know at [email protected].
Image © Yann Forget / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA.