June 2025 - wsis20 - lists.icann.org

The Internet Society's Perspective on WSIS+20
by Israel Rosas June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Dear all, As we keep gearing up for the WSIS+20 review, I am pleased to share the Internet Society’s perspective paper, "A Pivotal Moment for Global Digital Cooperation<https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/doc/2025/a-pivotal-moment-for-glo…>." This 20-year milestone comes at a critical time. The Internet has transformed our world, but it also faces new and evolving challenges. As our global dependence on the Internet grows, the need for effective global cooperation is more urgent than ever. At the Internet Society, we believe the best way forward is to build on the successful foundations of WSIS. Our non-paper puts forward the view that the original WSIS framework was designed to be flexible and technology-neutral, making it uniquely suited to address today's challenges through focused, innovative implementation rather than lengthy renegotiation. This approach allows us to act now to secure and build our global digital future, together. This document is intended to be a starting point for dialogue. We hope it provides valuable insights and helps identify areas of consensus for an action-oriented WSIS+20 outcome. We very much welcome your feedback and engagement. If you will attend the IGF 2025, come say hello to our booth! We invite you to read and share the paper widely, particularly with government delegations and other stakeholders involved in this critical process. Best, Isra Isra Rosas, Director, Partnerships and Internet Development Internet Society

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The Internet Society at IGF 2025
by Dr. Joseph Lorenzo Hall June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Colleagues, As we all know, the upcoming IGF in Lillestrøm is not just another meeting. It represents one of the last major opportunities for the global multistakeholder community to consolidate its positions ahead of the WSIS+20 review, starting with the WSIS HLE in July. The stakes for the future of the Internet governance model and the Internet itself are exceptionally high. The Internet Society will be deeply engaged. We've outlined our approach in a new post, "The Internet Society at IGF 2025 in Norway," which details our planned contributions to these critical discussions. https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2025/06/the-internet-society-at-igf-20… For those planning your schedules, our complete list of activities is here: https://www.internetsociety.org/events/igf/2025/our-activities/ Our delegation hopes to connect with many of you there… and be sure to stop by our booth! Here’s a friendly IGF greeting from Chris Locke, Jenn Beard, Isra Rosas, and Tatiana Tropina: https://vimeo.com/1093728434 Let’s use this time to ensure a strong, coherent voice for the multistakeholder model as we move toward the final review. Regards, Joe -- Joseph Lorenzo Hall PhD Distinguished Technologist, Internet Society hall(a)isoc.org<mailto:hall@isoc.org> | +1-703-483-9504 internetsociety.org<http://internetsociety.org> | @internetsociety pgp: 3CA28D7B9F6DDBD34B1016075F86698740A9A871

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Australia - WSIS+20 Non-Paper [SEC=OFFICIAL]
by Lee, William June 13, 2025

June 13, 2025

OFFICIAL Dear Colleagues, Pleased to share with this group Australia’s WSIS+20 non-paper. Australia has publicly committed to work with all stakeholders via an open and transparent seven-stage process to prepare for WSIS+20 based on the principles of collaboration, inclusion and shared purpose that have underpinned the WSIS process for the past 20-years. This document has been prepared to consult and consider feedback from all stakeholder groups, providing a possible starting point for future discussions around what WSIS+20 could and should seek to address. The non-paper is not the Australian Government’s position on any matter, but we hope it will start a useful multistakeholder dialogue, support discussions at the upcoming IGF and WSIS Forum HLE, and provide valuable insights as to where consensus for an action orientated WSIS+20 outcome may lie. We very much welcome your feedback, and the feedback of everyone in the community. Feedback can be provided through the survey links throughout the document, in-person at the upcoming IGF and WSIS Forum HLE when Ian and myself will be happy to chat over a coffee (or call past our IGF booth for a Koala or Tim-Tam!), or via email to wsis20(a)communications.gov.au<mailto:wsis20@communications.gov.au>. Regards, Ian Sheldon and William Lee Internet Governance Team Australian Government OFFICIAL --------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer This message has been issued by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. The information transmitted is for the use of the intended recipient only and may contain confidential and/or legally privileged material. Any review, re-transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may result in severe penalties. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the Department on +61 (2) 6274 7111 and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments. ---------------------------------------------------------------------

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ICANN's intervention at the WSIS+20 stakeholder consultations
by Alexey Trepykhalin June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Dear All, Please find attached the text below of ICANN’s intervention at the WSIS+20 stakeholder consultations on 10 June 2025. Alexey Trepykhalin IGO and Government Engagement Manager ICANN/GE Informal Interactive WSIS stakeholder consultation on the review of implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+ 20) New York, United Nations 10 June 2025 Good morning, Ambassador Janina, Ambassador Lokaale, excellencies and esteemed colleagues. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers – ICANN – is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that helps ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet through our role in coordinating the Internet’s unique identifiers. The Internet is open, interoperable, and coordinated across borders. Its continued stability relies on shared responsibility across stakeholders around the world. That's the strength of the multistakeholder model: it brings together governments, businesses, academia, civil society, and technical communities to address issues collaboratively. We hope that the UN member states will continue to support the multistakeholder model of Internet governance, as they did during the WSIS in Tunisia, in UNGA resolution A/70/125, and in the Global Digital Compact (GDC). This model has proven to be the most effective approach to address Internet policy issues. ICANN’s track record reflects that: for 27 years, we’ve enabled technically grounded, globally coordinated governance of the Domain Name System. The DNS has scaled to support billions of queries daily – including through crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We have accomplished this by working closely with governments, businesses, civil society, and academic communities, which represent our supporting organizations and advisory committees, as well as with other technical organizations like the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), the Internet Society (ISOC), the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and many others. The technical community is a distinct stakeholder within the WSIS process. Its role is to continue to develop the Internet and the policies around its technical functioning to serve all people around the world. We hope that the UN member states will continue to recognize this stakeholder group, as they did in Tunisia, during the WSIS+10 review, and in the Global Digital Compact. ICANN contributes to the WSIS process through its technical remit and engagement with all its stakeholders, including the governments that participate in ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee. Our experience shows that sustained collaboration among all stakeholders delivers stability and innovation at scale. And last, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) plays a central role in fostering this collaboration. Just last year, in the GDC, the UN member states acknowledged the importance of the IGF as “the primary multistakeholder platform for discussing Internet governance issues”. ICANN has supported and continues to support the IGF both financially and through participation in the MAG and the IGF. We are committed to continuing this support for the years to come. We have released a draft paper, called “The IGF We Want” to our WSIS+20 Outreach Network mailing list, and I urge everyone to join the list through the ICANN Government Engagement webpage, where we will be discussing the different versions of the WSIS+20 zero drafts in the coming months. Thank you.

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Notes: The First Preparatory Meeting for the WSIS+20 General Assembly Overall Review
by Alexey Trepykhalin June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Dear All, We prepared the notes of the 1st WSIS+20 Preparatory Meeting and Stocktaking Session that took place on 30 May 2025. Please find attached. Alexey Trepykhalin Government and IGO Engagement Manager ICANN/GE 1st Preparatory Meeting & Stocktaking Session - 30 May 2025<https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/wsis20/1stPreparatoryMeetingStockt…> The First Preparatory Meeting and Stocktaking Session for WSIS+20 overall review by the United Nations General Assembly took place at U.N. HQ on 30 May 2025. NOTES The Kenyan co-facilitator said that the consultation will “serve two key purposes”: · “to hear the expectations” of the member states “on the scope and priorities of the WSIS+20 outcome document and · “to gather inputs that will inform the development of the elements paper.” He also stressed that this process “is fully grounded in UNGA resolution 79/277<https://docs.un.org/en/A/RES/79/277> which re-affirms the leadership of member-states while encouraging the meaningful participation of all relevant stakeholders including civil society, the private sector, and the technical community.” (Starts at 19:01<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) Iraq speaking on behalf of G77+China said: “The Group firmly rejects the application of unilateral coercive measures, such actions that undermine international law and the charter of the United Nations, seriously hinder scientific cooperation, restrict access to technology and obstructs access of developing countries to achieve inclusive and sustained development.” (starts at 44:23<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). […] “The Group further reiterates the need to uphold the principles of digital sovereignty, equity and the right to development in the digital era.” (starts at 46:21<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). […] The outcomes of this review should also give impetus to implement the recent commitments contained in the Global Digital Compact.” (starts at 46:56) (full written statement<https://www.g77.org/statement/getstatement.php?id=250528b>) European Union and candidate countries: “We commit to proactively defending the general availability and integrity of the Internet as a global, interoperable network of networks, reflecting the importance of the multistakeholder model of Internet governance as enshrined in the Tunis Agenda and re-affirmed in the GDC. We believe that effective Internet governance must be inclusive, participatory, action-oriented, and consensus-driven, involving a broad array of actors from the public sector, private sector, civil society, technical community, academia, regional and international organizations. We are also committed to ensuring alignment between the WSIS process and the implementation of the GDC, to maximizing impact and synergies, while reducing duplication and avoiding competition for scarce financial resources.” The EU proposal further included: * Fortification of the multistakeholder governance model of the Internet and support the use of the multistakeholder governance sandboxes. * Permanent institutionalization of the IGF beyond 2025. * Advocacy for a consolidated multistakeholder governance approach, recalling the GDC and San Paulo Multistakeholder guidelines. * Establishment of the WSIS+20 Multistakeholder sounding board. (full written statement<https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/un-new-york/eu-statement-%E2%80%93-u…>). Lithuania called for the: * Strengthening of the IGF role and its institutionalization beyond 2025. * Resistance to undermining the multistakeholder internet governance model. * Ceasing the discussion about enhanced cooperation. In regard to the latter Lithuania added: “With IANA transition within ICANN in 2016 addressed the root cause of this process – ensuring that no particular state government has exclusive oversight role over critical internet resources. Debate about public policy component of internet governance must be continued, instead. It is also essential to ensure synergies and complementarity between the WSIS-post 20 and the Global Digital Compact—an especially critical consideration, amid the current liquidity crisis.” (full written statement<https://un.mfa.lt/en/news/26/statement-delivered-by-the-republic-of-lithuan…>) Iran said: “However the main part of the WSIS mandate is still unfinished.” […] “The Tunis agenda made a specific reference to call in paragraph 69 to 71 for recognizing the need for enhanced cooperation to enable governments on an equal footing to carry out the rules and responsibilities in international public policy issues pertaining to the Internet. Ever since any progress on this specific mandate on enhanced cooperation has been blocked. It is important that this main issue of WSIS to be addressed effectively by the international community and this process. Another area of importance to developing countries yet to be realized is a more inclusive and transparent Internet governance. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has been convened as a platform to expand multistakeholder policy dialogue related to the key elements of the Internet governance as indicated in the Tunis Agenda. However mandate-wise it has not been in a position to enable governance on its equal footing, to carry out the roles and responsibilities in International public policies issues pertaining to Internet and to lead an International cooperation on inter alia development of globally applicable principle on public policy issues associated with the coordination and management of critical Internet resources as a sign to enhance cooperation in the Tunis Agenda. In WSIS 20 we need to strengthen the role of the states in the global governance of Internet and maximizing the participation of developing countries in policy and decision-making process leading to Internet governance in accordance with paragraph 68 of the Tunis agenda. And excellencies, there is a strong need that stakeholders rather than a state observe principles, rules and norms for their responsible behavior in ICT environment and be accountable for their behavior. This is also under discussion at the ongoing Open-ended working group on cybersecurity within the United Nations. And this for us is a stage to consider ways and means to ensure appropriate measures with a view to making the private sector with extraterritorial impact including platforms accountable for their ICT behavior and exercise due control over ICT companies and platforms under their jurisdiction.” […] “The states which have monopoly and dominance in ICT environment including Internet shall not use ICT advances as a tool for economic, political or any other types of coercive measures including limiting and blocking measures against targeted countries.” (starts at 1:00:01<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) Cuba (aligns with G77+China): “We reiterate that unilateral coercive measures including those targeting telecommunications and digital infrastructure undermine the development of the ICT capacities in affected countries.” (starts at 1:05:15<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) “The Global Digital Compact does not replace the World Summit on Information Society. It constitutes a further effort to achieve goals proposed at WSIS. The review should look at how to reconcile both processes. We do not favor new mechanisms or processes for the implementation of follow-up of WSIS and the Global Digital Compact.” (starts at 1:05:31<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) Uganda (aligns with G77+China): “ It is important that existing platforms such as the International telecommunications Union, the Internet Governance Forum, the STI Forum of the ECOSOC and the Commission on Science and Technology and Development remain relevant.“ (starts at 1:10:10<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) South Africa (aligns with G77+China): “The Global Digital Compact and WSIS are mutually reinforcing blueprint documents.” […] “In this respect it is expected that the WSIS review should be aligned with the Global Digital Compact.” (starts at 1:13:34) Indonesia (aligns with G77+China): “We support the implementation of commitments from the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact in synergy with the WSIS architecture to ensure the unified approach to digital cooperation.” (starts at 1:17:50<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) Japan: “It is impossible for governments to tackle this issue [digital divide] alone and multistakeholders must work together. In this respect we believe that WSIS is a highly valuable platform where broad community of multistakeholders can combine their efforts and we should keep the framework going beyond 2025. The Internet Governance Forum notably is a time-tested forum acknowledged in the Global Digital Compact as, I quote, “the primary multistakeholder platform for discussion of Internet governance issues.” In order to further promote collaboration among the multistakeholders we should continue and strengthen the IGF and also make it permanent.” […] “Japan is determined to work together with multistakeholders including governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academia and international and regional organizations.” (starts at 1:19:02<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) […] Japan further believes that we can create mutual synergies between the WSIS process and the GDC to make these efforts more effective and efficient.” (starts at 1:21:18<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) Switzerland: “WSIS plus means creating a stronger, connected, and inclusive framework for digital governance and cooperation while integrating the ambitions of the Global Digital Compact. Rather than creating parallel processes we must unify them, streamlining governance, avoiding duplication, and leveraging synergies between a multistakeholder approach and multilateral cooperation which has made WSIS so impactful.” (starts at 1:22:23<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) Switzerland further proposed the creation of: * Joint implementation roadmap integrating GDC commitments with WSIS implementation work. * An enhanced UN group on Information Society adding relevant UN bodies such as ODET and reinforcing multistakeholder engagement within it. * A clearer UN governance and accountability system on digital governance by strengthening the CSTD and ECOSOC which would review progress both on WSIS and GDC. * A permanent, reinforced and even more inclusive IGF with sustainable funding, stronger connections, and tangible impacts within the WSIS architecture. Nepal aligned itself with G77+China. Colombia: “Ultimately cooperation through WSIS, multistakeholder mechanisms enhanced by the strategic direction of the Global Digital Compact is vital.” (starts at 1:32:18) <https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716> The Netherlands: “We acknowledge that the WSIS architecture has contributed to bridging the digital divides, including the gender divide through meaningful multistakeholder participation.” (starts at 1:33:35<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) The Netherlands also: · Advocated for strengthening linkages between GDC and WSIS commitments. · Is committed to global, interoperable, and secure Internet. · Recognized the risk of Internet fragmentation and its impact on global Internet interoperability. · Committed to proactively defend the general availability and integrity of the Internet as a global, interoperable network of networks reflecting the importance of the multistakeholder model of Internet governance as enshrined in the Tunis Agenda and reconfirmed in the Global Digital Compact. · Mentioned the importance of the technical community in Internet governance. · Supported the continuation of the IGF and its funding. · Supported the EU multistakeholder sounding board proposal. United States: “WSIS+20 review as an independent framework should focus on the review of the implementation of WSIS outcomes not on the connection to other processes. The United States has made clear we will no longer affirm the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals as a matter of course. And this process should not link itself with programs like these that are inconsistent with state sovereignty.” (starts at 1:36:59<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) […] “In this process we must protect the key ingredients in the success of WSIS: the multistakeholder model. WSIS should continue to support the U.N. agencies in fostering collaboration with stakeholders across public and private sectors, the technical community and civil society. WSIS should advocate for frameworks that support voluntary guidelines and best practices, allowing for many perspectives and rapid technological advancements, otherwise we risk encouraging a regulatory approach centralized in the United Nations that decreases sovereignty and hinders progress and innovation.” (starts at 1:37:58<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) […] Another monumental success in the first 20 years of WSIS has been the work of the Internet Governance Forum, to ensure that all stakeholders, including the engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators that run the Internet are part of the global conversation about the Internet. This is critical to endure the vibrancy and impact of the Internet does not fall victim to top-down governmental regulation and bureaucratic inertia.” […] “We call for the U.N. to extend the mandate of the IGF when it expires later this year and strengthen its work as a bottom-up, multistakeholder fora to discuss Internet public policy issues. Lastly, we encourage coherence among the range of U.N. processes working on digital technologies, including from the Global Digital Compact and 20 years of the WSIS implementation. This alignment can help ensure the U.N. works effectively towards closing digital divides, without duplication of effort or additional budget obligations. Thank you and we look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders as we move through the WSIS overall review.” (starts at 1:38:55<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). China (aligned with G77+China): “To uphold multilateralism and create synergies the U.N. should play a coordinating role in international development cooperation, step up its leadership, coordinate the implementation of the WSIS outcomes, the Global Digital Compact, and relevant G8 resolutions on AI.” (starts at 1:42:15<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). Australia (also on behalf of Canada): “WSIS has enabled the success and demonstrated the power of the collaborative and multistakeholder digital governance.” […] “We see the GDC and WSIS as two clearly distinct processes that complement each other.” […] It allows us to reflect […] on the challenges of […] preserving the fragile Internet infrastructure.” […] “The review will be another occasion to re-affirm the ongoing relevance of the current eleven WSIS action lines.” (starts at 1:43:39<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>).“ […] “We must continue efforts towards multilingualism online (starts at 1:45:00<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>).“ […] “WSIS+20 offers an opportunity to renew and strengthen the multistakeholder governance of the Internet and new and emerging technologies.” […] “We believe that NETmundiale+10 San Paolo multistakeholder guidelines serve as a solid foundation in this regard.” […] “Harnessing the benefits of technology and mitigating its risks require the active and meaningful participation of stakeholders from government, private sector, the technical community, civil society, and academia. The WSIS architecture, such as the IGF and the WSIS Forum has served us well over the last 20 years demonstrating the value of the inclusive, multistakeholder discussions on Internet governance and digital technologies. We welcome the opportunity to review the WSIS together, to collectively write the next chapter of our digital future.” (starts at 1:45:23<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). Brazil (aligns with G77+China): stressed four points as key outcomes from the WSIS+20 review: · Integration of the WSIS process with the GDC (starts at 1:50:00<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). · Called to strengthen the role of the IGF, “evolve its scope”, and “may involve terminological update as “Digital Governance Forum”, “transformation of the IGF into a permanent forum with a stable and predictable budget”. (starts at 1:50:33<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). · “Reenforcing the role of ODET, working closely with existing mechanisms” (starts at 1:50:53<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) · Ensuring that ultimate priority goes to achieving the SDGs and bridging the digital divide. Brazil also added that its “delegation looks forward to working with all stakeholders.” Philippines aligned with G77+China. “The Philippines recognizes the importance of the WSIS+20 review in informing and complementing the Global Digital Compact. We emphasize that the GDC must build on the foundations laid by the WSIS process.” […] “We believe it is essential that the WSIS action lines continue to be central to digital cooperation and hence we think it is necessary to anchor the GDC in the larger WSIS framework including through the review process.” (starts at 1:52:52<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). United Kingdom: “We would like to see a permanent mandate for the IGF and much stronger recognition of national and regional IGFs.” […] “We should re-affirm the multistakeholder model of Internet governance following the example of the Global Digital Compact last year. We support member-states of the CSTD in calling for the initiatives from the GDC to be fully integrated into the WSIS process to avoid the risk of separate duplicative processes. We believe that the existing WSIS action lines provide an enduring framework that addresses the opportunities and challenges of the future.” […] “There is a big agenda ahead and it is important that multistakeholders can contribute meaningfully to the process. We welcome the steps so far to welcome the multistakeholder participation. For that participation to be meaningful it will be important to set out in detail how and when stakeholders can participate and how their contributions will be taken into account.” (starts at 1:56:22<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). Russian Federation: “We are convinced of the need to extend the WSIS mandate.” […] “Another 10-year period is important for implementing the pending, unimplemented decisions of the Summit, particularly those related to Internet governance, bridging the digital divide and abandoning illegitimate unilateral measures that hinder technological development.” […] “We stress that it is unacceptable to substitute the WSIS process with the implementation of the non-consensual Global Digital Compact. We categorically oppose any idea of the contribution to the implementation of the compact to be made by the U.N. Commission on Science and Technology for Development, the International Telecommunication Union and WSIS. We see this as unacceptable attempt to re-shape the U.N. digital agenda in order to serve the goals that are in the Compact which was drafted by the economic actors from developed countries and lays the groundwork for their monopolization of global ICT markets. In addition, it puts non-governmental actors on an equal footing with states when it comes to shaping decisions related to the international scientific and technological agenda. The Global Digital Compact is neither legally-binding nor universally accepted. A number of countries disassociated themselves from the consensus on it. The text is a collection of declarations and nothing more, and it is drafting involved numerous procedural violations. States’ opinions were very selectively considered by the coordinators, whereas the WSIS process is on the contrary a consensually agreed foundation for fair ICT regulation and it ranks much higher in the U.N. system than the Global Digital Compact. We believe it is important to avoid the duplication of efforts taken by the International Telecommunication Union , the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, WSIS and the Global Digital Compact by clearly distributing specific areas of responsibility. The implementation of the Global Digital Compact should not interfere with the mandate of other entities working on the U.N. digital agenda.”(starts at 1:58:33<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). United Arab Emirates (aligns with G77+China): “We need to foster the multistakeholder approach. It is essential that we create action-oriented partnerships across all sectors, including the private sector, civil society, and academia. This multistakeholder model will help ensure that the future of the digital World is shaped by diverse perspectives and expertise.” […] The WSIS review “should align with the agreed frameworks such as the Global Digital Compact.” (starts at 2:04:33<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>) Uruguay (aligns with G77+China): “Multilingualism online should also be a fundamental pillar to ensure equal access to knowledge and cultural diversity. Digital fragmentation around the governance of the Internet and the limited capacity of developing counties to make full use from the opportunities of the digital economy and the need to promote international cooperation that is more equitable are other matters that should be urgently addressed in this review.” […] “We want the process that we are beginning to lead to synergies with the Global Digital Compact [...] which will also help to avoid duplication.” (starts at 2:07:35<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). Morocco (aligns with G77+China): “Several subjects need to be addressed. Notably: […] how to govern the Internet and digital technologies and standards, structures and values that have to be adopted to adapt and tailor the current action framework. Amendments can also be made to technology’s infrastructure to remedy the unequal distribution of IT infrastructure. The action lines can also reflect how the situation has evolved, such as in trust and security.” […] (starts at 2:11:16<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). […] “Multistakeholderism, a cornerstone of WSIS, must be bolstered to ensure the principles of inclusivity, openness and transparency by preserving the role of government in the decision-making process.” […] “The success of the [Global Digital] Compact will depend on how to strengthen the existing mechanisms such as the Internet Governance Forum and the High-Level Event whose mandate expires this year by ensuring that these platforms remain dynamic for dialogue and innovation. (starts at 2:12:24<https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716>). ### End notes.

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Launch of New Report on IGF Impact
by Sebastian Bellagamba June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Dear all, We are pleased to share with you our new joint report with ICANN, titled “Footprints of 20 Years of the Internet Governance Forum.<https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/doc/2025/footprints-of-20-years-o…>” Additionally, today, our President and CEO, Sally Wentworth, together with ICANN CEO, Kurtis Lindqvist, will officially launch the report at a press conference during the ICANN meeting in Prague. This evidence-based report offers a substantive analysis of the global impact of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), highlighting its tangible contributions and influence over the past two decades. As the United Nations prepares to review the IGF’s mandate in 2025, this moment marks a critical juncture. There is a growing debate between preserving the open, inclusive, multistakeholder model or shifting toward centralized, government-led approaches to Internet governance. At the Internet Society, we believe the Internet must be shaped by all of its users. Now more than ever, the multistakeholder model is vital to the governance, resilience, and progress of the Internet. Together, we are committed to ensuring the WSIS+20 process is inclusive, transparent, and forward-looking. An open and trusted Internet is a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society. Protecting it is not just a priority, it is a shared responsibility. This report will be an essential advocacy tool as we head into the WSIS+20 review process, the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society. We invite you to read and share the report widely, particularly with your government’s delegation to the WOSIS+20 review, as well as others involved in this critical process. Warm regards, Sebastian PS. Are you planning to be in Oslo for the IGF? We look forward to connecting with you there! Please be sure to register for our ISOC@ IGF event<https://forms.internetsociety.org/isoc-at-igf-2025> on Tuesday, 24 June 2025. Sebastián Bellagamba, VP, External and Community Engagement bellagamba(a)isoc.org | Mobile: +598 91 383959 [image001[8624520].png] internetsociety.org<http://www.internetsociety.org/> | @internetsociety

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APNIC Statement to UN Informal Interactive WSIS stakeholder consultation on WSIS+20
by Joyce Chen June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

Dear all, You may be interested to read APNIC’s statement to the UN Informal Interactive WSIS stakeholder consultation on WSIS+ 20 that took place on 9 June, 8PM EST. The text has been replicated below for easy reference. Thanks, Joyce Chen Senior Advisor – Strategic Engagement, APNIC joyce(a)apnic.net<mailto:joyce@apnic.net> www.apnic.net<https://www.apnic.net/> [signature_3202032822] APNIC Statement to the UN Informal Interactive WSIS stakeholder consultation on the review of implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+ 20) Monday, 9 June 2025 8pm EST Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), the Regional Internet Registry serving 56 economies in the Asia Pacific region. As an RIR, we are part of the Internet infrastructure delivering on our core mission: the distribution and responsible management of Internet number resources, and support for the open, stable, secure, and resilient operation of the Internet in our region. As we take stock of the WSIS outcomes, the Internet technical community, including APNIC and our peer RIRs, ICANN and the IETF, has played an essential role in realizing the connectivity and capacity-building goals of the WSIS Action Lines. We have worked tirelessly to support Internet infrastructure development, strengthen Internet governance capacity, and build trusted multistakeholder partnerships across governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia. In April 2025, our APNIC Labs recorded IPv6 capability exceeding 50% in our region. It took 25 years for Asia Pacific’s Internet operations community to achieve this significant milestone. This milestone reflects the Internet’s growth in our region, and we at APNIC have ensured that the allocation of numbering resources has kept pace with this growth. Our community – the technical community – has worked to deploy Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI), a public key infrastructure framework designed to secure the Internet’s routing infrastructure. APNIC functions as a critical trust anchor which acts as the root of trust, providing the foundational level of verification for digitally signed certificates and validating the authenticity of IP addresses and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs). An updated WSIS framework is critical for the continued functioning of the Internet. We recommend a few areas for consideration: * First, clearer definition of digital governance and cooperation. There is complementarity between the GDC and WSIS whereby each leverage their strengths, and not duplicate processes. * Second, strengthening the role of the IGF, including sustainable resourcing for its effective functioning. The IGF’s multistakeholder and bottom-up agenda setting process have been a key feature in line with the definition of multistakeholder Internet Governance and should continue. We are fully supportive of the IGF National and Regional Initiatives (NRIs) such as the Asia Pacific Regional IGF which provide invaluable and practical spaces for dialogue amongst local and regional communities. * Third, for greater accountability the WSIS+20 review process should remain open and inclusive for all stakeholders to engage and contribute. The São Paulo Multistakeholder Guidelines is a useful reference in this regard. * Fourth, continued recognition of the Internet technical community as a distinct stakeholder group in the foundational functioning of the Internet. Internet organizations and their communities such as ICANN, the IETF and RIRs collaborate as part of the multistakeholder community of Internet governance to ensure that the Internet works seamlessly. Thank you very much.

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ICANN heads to IGF 2025
by Becky McGilley June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

Hi All, We wanted to share that ICANN has announced its participation in the upcoming IGF taking place 23-27 June in Norway. As we all know, this year’s IGF is especially significant as it coincides with discussions on the future of Internet Governance for the WSIS+20 Review. You can read the full announcement here: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-heads-to-igf-2025-as-i… And we hope to see you in Lillestrøm or online! Rebecca McGilley Director, Government & IGO Engagement Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Mobile: +1 310 745 7033 www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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WG: WSIS+20 Virtual Stakeholder Consultations
by jorge.cancio＠bakom.admin.ch June 5, 2025

June 5, 2025

Fyi see below - and what we said last Friday in case you feel inspired :) Kindly Jorge Von: Celine Bal via Igfmaglist <igfmaglist(a)intgovforum.org> Gesendet: Donnerstag, 5. Juni 2025 15:35 An: igfmaglist(a)intgovforum.org Betreff: [IGFmaglist] WSIS+20 Virtual Stakeholder Consultations Dear all, Kindly note that the deadline to register for the WSIS+20 virtual Stakeholder Consultations<https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/wsis20/virtualconsultation> is today, 5 June at 11:59 p.m. EST. Sessions are divided into two to accommodate different geographic regions and time zones: * Stakeholders from East and South Asia, Oceania, and the Americas (Pacific Time) are encouraged to register Session 1 by following this link: Monday, 9 June at 8:00 p.m. EST<https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Dqq_hOKBTTmMH3Wb-M70tA#/registration> * Stakeholders from Africa, West Asia, Europe, and the Americas (Eastern Time) are encouraged to register Session 2 by following this link: Tuesday, 10 June at 10:00 a.m. EST<https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C4hkVcgwRdiuQ0Omqk-Ang#/registration> Guiding questions for the consultation: 1. To what extent and how has the vision of a "people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society" evolved over the past 20 years since WSIS? 2. What are the priorities and challenges to the implementation of WSIS outcomes today? 3. How can cooperation through the WSIS mechanisms, including multistakeholder dialogue and recently adopted the Global Digital Compact, enhance coherence in digital governance? Resources: Concept Note: Virtual Stakeholder Consultation (9-10 June 2025<https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/2025/C…>) With kind regards, Celine Celine Bal Associate Programme Officer, Internet Governance Forum Secretariat Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs T: +41 22 917 3411 celine.bal(a)un.org<mailto:celine.bal@un.org> Twitter <https://twitter.com/intgovforum> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/IntGovForum/> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/intgovforum/> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/intgovforum/> United Nations Villa Le Bocage | Room VB-15 | Palais des Nations | 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland https://www.intgovforum.org<https://www.intgovforum.org/> [cid:image001.png@01DBD62F.63D3BF30]

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VIDEO + SUMMARY – UNGA First WSIS+20 Review Preparatory Meeting and Stocktaking session
by Joly MacFie June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

*[Another one that's just a summary. The issue this time is not Chatham House, but the UN's restrictive copyright. A lot of vocal m17m and IGF support.]* [image: ISOC LIVE] <https://isoc.live/19420/>*UN Web TV <https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k1uazgz716?kalturaStartTime=948&config[pl…>* | *SUMMARY AR <https://archive.org/download/un-pre-wsis20-1/un-pre-wsis20-1.AR.SUMMARY.pdf> / EN <https://archive.org/download/un-pre-wsis20-1/un-pre-wsis20-1.EN.SUMMARY.pdf> / ES <https://archive.org/download/un-pre-wsis20-1/un-pre-wsis20-1.ES.SUMMARY.pdf> / FR <https://archive.org/download/un-pre-wsis20-1/un-pre-wsis20-1.FR.SUMMARY.pdf> / RU <https://archive.org/download/un-pre-wsis20-1/un-pre-wsis20-1.RU.SUMMARY.pdf> / ZH <https://archive.org/download/un-pre-wsis20-1/un-pre-wsis20-1.ZH.SUMMARY.pdf>* *ARCHIVE <https://archive.org/details/un-pre-wsis20-1> | PERMALINK <https://isoc.live/19420/>* On *30 May 2025*, the *United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs <https://www.un.org/en/desa> *(UN DESA) convened the *1st Preparatory Meeting and Stocktaking session of the WSIS+20 General Assembly Overall Review <https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/wsis20/1stPreparatoryMeetingStockt…>* at the UN HQ in New York City. In *Resolution 79/2775 <https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4080263/files/A_RES_79_277-EN.pdf>*, adopted in March 2025, the General Assembly decided to conclude the overall review of the implementation of WSIS outcomes, known as WSIS+20, with a two-day *high-level meeting <https://publicadministration.desa.un.org/wsis20/GA%20High-Level-Meeting>* to be held on 16–17 December 2025. The preparatory meetings, with inputs from all relevant WSIS stakeholders, are to discuss expectations and inform the intergovernmental process. *Co-facilitators* *H.E. Ms. Suela Janina*, Permanent Representative of Albania *H.E. Mr. Ekitela Lokaale*, Permanent Representative of Kenya - -- Joly MacFie Whatsapp +12185659365

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