Internet Society at the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, 28th Session

The annual assessment and follow-up on implementing the WSIS vision, facilitated by the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), is a key component of the WSIS review. As part of its work, the CSTD solicits input from WSIS stakeholders on their contributions toward realizing the WSIS vision and drafts a yearly progress report during its annual session. 

The Internet Society has regularly contributed to this process, which is vital for realizing WSIS’s opportunities. Our contribution includes insights on best practices and successful initiatives that have advanced progress toward the WSIS vision. The delegation that attended the 28^th session of the CSTD in Geneva, from 7 to 11 April 2025, actively engaged with governments, partners, and other stakeholders in preparation for the WSIS+20 review.  

This year marked a significant milestone for these efforts. For the first time, the annual CSTD WSIS report explicitly recognized community-centered connectivity as a key component in bridging digital divides. This vital advocacy win was secured by working with governments to introduce language on community-centered connectivity into the annual CSTD WSIS resolution. This resulted from a year-long effort with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) to build partnerships and advise member states on the importance of complementary access solutions.