[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@bnnrc.net<mailto:ceo@bnnrc.net> | bnnrcbd@gmail.com<mailto:bnnrcbd@gmail.com> | https://www.bnnrc.net<http://www.bnnrc.net/> [cid:3aba3a93-d5fe-4e5a-9779-ae3b6fd8984f]
