Dear all

Drawing your attention to the AI powered analysis of the key open consultation session held by the wsis+20 co-facs in Lilleström last week, please check: https://dig.watch/event/internet-governance-forum-2025/wsis20-open-consultation-session-with-co-facilitators

I find especially the “take aways” section under “in-depth analysis” extremely useful, which I copy here for your ease:

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Key takeaways

The WSIS Plus 20 review process is firmly grounded in multi-stakeholder principles and aims to assess 20 years of progress while shaping a forward-looking digital vision

There is strong consensus among stakeholders for a permanent, sustainable, and well-funded IGF mandate rather than periodic renewals

The Global Digital Compact should be implemented through the existing WSIS architecture using a joint implementation roadmap to avoid duplication of processes

Internet governance language in the elements paper needs updating from 2003 terminology to reflect current multi-stakeholder realities as agreed in WSIS Plus 10 and Global Digital Compact

Human rights language requires strengthening with explicit references to international human rights law, including UDHR, ICCPR, and ICESCR

Technical community must be explicitly recognized as a key stakeholder group alongside governments, civil society, and private sector

Digital divides persist with one-third of global population offline, requiring concrete actions for universal and meaningful connectivity

Youth and teens (13-19) should be recognized as current stakeholders, not just future ones, given their active digital participation

National and Regional IGF initiatives (NRIs) play crucial roles and should be explicitly recognized and supported in the framework

Resolutions and action items

Co-facilitators will produce a zero draft by mid-August 2024 incorporating feedback from consultations

Written contributions deadline set for July 15, 2024, with possible extension if there is greater interest

Joint consultation with member states and stakeholders may be organized by end of July 2024

Co-facilitators committed to running transparent and inclusive process with continued stakeholder engagement

Co-facilitators will be present at ITU WSIS Plus 20 forum and other regional consultations

Stakeholders requested to provide both oral and written inputs on the elements paper

Clear timeline for consultations and negotiations until December 2024 to be provided for better planning

Hybrid consultation format to be maintained to enable global participation from those unable to travel to New York

Unresolved issues

Whether and how to address AI governance and data governance within WSIS Plus 20 context – co-facilitators noted differing views on including sections on emerging technologies

Specific mechanisms for integrating Global Digital Compact implementation into WSIS architecture beyond general agreement on joint roadmap

Whether to establish specific WSIS targets for measuring progress, particularly connectivity benchmarks

How to operationalize human rights-based approach across all digital governance areas

Specific funding mechanisms for ensuring sustainable IGF operations and broader WSIS implementation

Balance between acknowledging related processes (like Global Digital Compact) while maintaining WSIS Plus 20 focus

How to ensure meaningful participation of Global South communities without straining existing resources

Specific institutional updates needed for UN Group on Information Society and CSTD mandate

Suggested compromises

Measured approach adopted in elements paper to acknowledge progress while addressing new developments like AI without resurrecting old controversies

Recognition that geopolitical tensions may impact process while maintaining focus on technical cooperation

Acknowledgment of related processes like Global Digital Compact while conducting WSIS Plus 20 review

Flexible consultation format combining in-person New York sessions with virtual participation and regional hubs

Using informal multi-stakeholder sounding board as channel while ensuring it’s not the only representative of global community

Building on existing WSIS action lines which are technology-agnostic to accommodate emerging issues like AI and data governance

Balancing state concerns with multi-stakeholder governance needs in internet governance discussions

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Kindly

Jorge