October 2025 - wsis20 - lists.icann.org

Call for Side Event Proposals | WSIS+20 UN GA High-Level Meeting
by jen＠dot.asia Oct. 21, 2025

Oct. 21, 2025

Dear All, This is to let you know that the application for side events at high-level meeting of the UNGA is now open until 31 October: <https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/wsis20/UN%20GA%20High-Level-Meetin g%20Side%20Events> WSIS+20 UN GA High-Level-Meeting - Side Events | Public Institutions. If there are further questions please reach out to the WSIS+20 review Secretariat (all details in the link above). Best, Jen

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Memeber States written inputs to the WSIS+20 Zero Draft
by Alexey Trepykhalin Oct. 17, 2025

Oct. 17, 2025

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NCSG and
by Adam Peake Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

Dear WSIS+20 Outreach Network, One behalf of ICANN's Noncommercial Stakeholder Group (NCSG), I would like to share this invitation to a webinar "Forging ways forward in the WSIS+20 review process through multistakeholder collaboration", October 16th, 13:00 - 14:30 UTC (90 Mins). Please register at this link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/jTsUIYaVRSOF2OhItC2NnA The webinar will gather representatives from the technical community and civil society to identify shared priorities, strengthen cross-stakeholder relationships, and will also be a preliminary discussion for an NCSG event at ICANN84 – please see https://icann84.sched.com/event/29QOu/gnso-civil-society-and-icann-on-wsis+… Speakers from: * NCSG * Representatives of the ICANN grant programs supported " Shaping the WSIS+20 Review for a Unified Internet Multistakeholderism (SWUIM)" project https://www.icann.org/en/grant-program/first-cycle-funded-projects#shaping-…, * The Global Digital Rights Coalition https://www.gp-digital.org/global-digital-rights-coalition-for-wsis/ * Technical Community Coalition for Multistakeholderism, TCCM (TBC) https://www.tccm.global/ Over the 90 minutes, NCSG and partners welcome discussion to achieve three key objectives: * Explore opportunities to leverage existing work from various communities at the upcoming ICANN84 meeting in Dublin * Identify areas of common interest between civil society and the technical community that can be leveraged for future engagement in the WSIS+20 process * Build linkages between national-level civil society in the Global Majority and the broader ICANN community, thereby supporting ICANN’s aims of an open, global, and interoperable Internet Warm regards, Adam Adam Peake ICANN GSE Europe

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Regarding Informal Interactive WSIS Stakeholder Consultation on the review of implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20)
by AHM Bazlur Rahman Oct. 15, 2025

Oct. 15, 2025

[cid:21b577af-c638-4095-9e26-205dd5eb031f] Statement delivered by: AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) at the Informal Interactive WSIS Stakeholder Consultation on the review of implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government, 14 October 2025, 8:15 AM EST Your Excellencies, Distinguished Co-Facilitators, H.E. Ms. Suela Janina, Permanent Representative of Albania, H.E. Mr. Ekitela Lokaale, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is an honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF), and the Pact for the Future – Bangladesh CSOs Initiative. Together, we have been steadfast advocates for advancing the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines (C1–C11) and the Internet Governance agenda in Bangladesh. Your Excellencies, The current version of the Zero Draft on WSIS+20 demonstrates significant progress in reflecting diverse inputs and addressing concerns raised during earlier consultations. We appreciate this advancement and underscore the importance of retaining the core language in the Outcome Document, which embodies the spirit and commitments of the WSIS process. We would like to recognise that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has played a key role in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process and the establishment of the WSIS Prizes, which honor global efforts toward an inclusive Information Society. Proposed by Tunisia at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in 1998, WSIS became a two-phase UN summit in Geneva (2003) and Tunis (2005), marking important milestones in digital cooperation with action lines C1-C11. The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has actively contributed to WSIS and is honoured to be recognised as a WSIS Prize Winner in 2016 and a WSIS Champion in 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025 for our work in media development, digital transformation, and information integrity. We fully align with and support the submissions presented by the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), the Global Digital Rights Coalition for WSIS, and the Global Digital Justice Forum. These collective contributions strengthen our shared vision for an inclusive, rights-based, and people-centred information society. Your Excellencies, While commendable progress has been made, the overarching objectives of the WSIS mandate—as articulated in the Geneva Plan of Action and the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society—remain unfinished. We therefore call for a further strengthened and continuous WSIS process, one that serves as a dynamic platform for dialogue on both long-standing and emerging digital issues, and that facilitates: * Localisation of WSIS implementation at the national level; * Annual monitoring, review, and coordination in collaboration with UN Resident Coordinators; and * Meaningful engagement of all stakeholders to address country-specific needs and priorities. Finally, Your Excellencies, We emphasise the urgent need for a permanent, well-resourced, and more inclusive WSIS and IGF framework, underpinned by sustainable funding mechanisms at both the secretariat and national levels. This is vital to ensuring that the principles of digital inclusion, trust, and cooperation envisioned in the WSIS framework continue to guide our collective efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We count on your leadership and commitment in advancing this vision. Thank you, Excellencies. I appreciate your kind attention. Bazlu ___________ AHM. Bazlur Rahman | Specialist in Advancing Digital Democracy MSS in Government & Politics, Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) Chief Executive Officer Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) & Ambassador for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) for Bangladesh Policy Research Fellow, Shaping the Future of Media, Information Integrity & Society in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution House: 9/4 Road: 2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207| Bangladesh| Phone: +8801711881647 | +88 02 48116262 | +88 02 48119374 E-Mail: ceo(a)bnnrc.net<mailto:ceo@bnnrc.net> | bnnrcbd(a)gmail.com<mailto:bnnrcbd@gmail.com> | https://www.bnnrc.net<http://www.bnnrc.net/> [cid:3aba3a93-d5fe-4e5a-9779-ae3b6fd8984f]

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ICANN84 Prep Week
by Carlos Reyes Oct. 14, 2025

Oct. 14, 2025

Hello, all. As ICANN84 approaches, Prep Week is now underway. At 19:30 UTC today, the ICANN Board will be conducting a session about the WSIS+20 and the future of the IGF. If you would like to join, please visit the ICANN84 schedule website: https://icann84.sched.com/event/290uP/icann-board-engagement-with-the-icann… Best, Carlos Carlos Reyes Senior Policy Director Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers Washington, D.C. Engagement Center

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WSIS+20 feedback submission from APAC Private Sector
by Alban Kwan Oct. 14, 2025

Oct. 14, 2025

Dear all, In our personal capacity, we have organised a series of face-to-face meetings with seven large enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region, together with an Informal Multistakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB) member to listen in. These organisations were selected given their strong relevance to the Internet and the fact that their internal policies have significant implications for the wider landscape of Internet governance. The meetings were convened specifically to introduce the WSIS+20 Review process and to gather initial perspectives from the private sector. It is noteworthy that none of these enterprises were previously familiar with the critical nature of WSIS or Internet governance. Nevertheless, the discussions yielded candid and valuable feedback. Based on these conversations, we have prepared a commentary to inform the WSIS+20 review process. We would like to send this document for your reference as well. Thank you Alban Kwan In personal capacity

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Seeking endorsement by 13 Oct (midday): Statement on strengthening stakeholder engagement in the WSIS+20 intergovernmental phase
by Ellie McDonald Oct. 13, 2025

Oct. 13, 2025

Dear all, As many of you will know, the cross-stakeholder community has previously come together to publish a Five Point Plan <https://www.gp-digital.org/five-point-plan-for-an-inclusive-wsis20-review/> and Eight Practical Recommendations <https://www.gp-digital.org/wsis20-five-point-plan-follow-up-eight-practical…>, recommending clear actions to ensure a meaningfully inclusive WSIS+20 review process, and we appreciate the steps taken during the preparatory process to implement many of the recommendations. However, as we approach intergovernmental negotiations, the process risks becoming increasingly closed to non-governmental stakeholders, exacerbated by the increased difficulty for many to travel to the US, further limiting the opportunities for engagement. Therefore, in line with the recommendations in the Five-Point Plan for an Inclusive WSIS+20 Review <https://www.gp-digital.org/five-point-plan-for-an-inclusive-wsis20-review/> and its Eight Practical Recommendations <https://www.gp-digital.org/wsis20-five-point-plan-follow-up-eight-practical…>, we have worked with colleagues to develop a new statement, recommending ten actions to advance meaningful stakeholder engagement in the intergovernmental phase. We are inviting endorsement of the statement <https://docs.google.com/document/d/155TA4jHGSm_JtC-GKdCBKInFFJuJP4an-0K9czX…>* up to *midday (UTC), Monday 13th October. We are looking for non-governmental organisations and individual experts engaged in the WSIS+20 process from all regions and stakeholder constituencies to endorse the statement. The form to endorse is here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0U0aTqamQI91iI3GqItOhOu1nv6tXxth… . We hope that members of this community will consider signing the statement, or that you will find it useful. We intend to publish the statement later in the day on the 13th, in advance of the WSIS+20 stakeholder consultations. If you have any questions regarding the statement, please feel welcome to reach out to me directly. Best wishes, Ellie Ellie McDonald (she/her) Policy and Advocacy Lead | GLOBAL PARTNERS DIGITAL M: +44 (0)7502277163 | Time zone: BST | gp-digital.org --- <https://www.4dayweek.co.uk/> GPD is proud to be an accredited four-day week organisation that cares about the well-being of its team. Please note that our office hours are now Monday to Thursday (9am-5pm UK time). Find out more here <https://www.gp-digital.org/news/gpd-becomes-a-four-day-week-organisation/>.

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WSIS+20 Virtual Stakeholder Consultations Monday 13 October & Tuesday 14 October, 2025 Speaker Lists
by jen＠dot.asia Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

Dear All, The speaking lists for the 13 and 14 October consultations have been finalized and are now public here <https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/2025/W SIS%20consultations%2013-14%20Oct/WSIS%2B20%20Oct%20Virtual%20Consultations_ Speaker%20Lists.pdf> . For your further information, the recordings and other outputs from the sessions will be made available here <https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/wsis20/octconsultations> . Best, Jen

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ZD Written submissions are already available
by Israel Rosas Oct. 7, 2025

Oct. 7, 2025

Hi all, I just wanted to bring to your attention that the written submissions are available at UNDESA’s website: https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/wsis20/zerodraft Best, Isra Isra Rosas, Director, Partnerships and Internet Development Internet Society

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Internet Society's contribution to the WSI+20 Zero Draft
by Israel Rosas Oct. 3, 2025

Oct. 3, 2025

Dear all, I’m happy to share with you our submission for the WSIS+20 Zero Draft (attached as a PDF). As discussed previously, we see this document as a good starting point for the negotiations. However, we identified several key areas where the document should be strengthened to ensure the review outcome furthers an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet. Some of the key areas for improvement we have highlighted include the IGF sustainability, an enabling environment (policies and measures in favor of innovation and connectivity, such as infrastructure sharing, community-centered connectivity, and efficient spectrum allocation), and the recognition of milestones in the evolution of multistakeholder Internet governance, such as the NETmundial principles and the NETmundial+10 recommendations. In the coming weeks, we’ll continue refining our recommendations with our community and partners. We’ll also be happy to hear your feedback either in person at the upcoming ICANN 84 meeting or via the internetgovernance(a)isoc.org<mailto:internetgovernance@isoc.org> email address. Best, Isra Isra Rosas, Director, Partnerships and Internet Development Internet Society rosas(a)isoc.org<mailto:email@isoc.org> | Pronouns: he/him/his Donate today.<https://bit.ly/3nUsQmJ> Help protect the Internet for everyone.

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