WSIS Action Lines for Advancing the Achievement of SDGs | IGF 2023 Open Forum #5

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In this discussion, three main points are presented by the speakers. The first speaker emphasizes the sense of urgency in transforming agri-food systems through digitalisation. They argue that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is assisting member countries and rural communities in digitalising these systems.

This implies that the FAO recognises the need for digitalisation to improve efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. The speaker presents a positive sentiment towards digitalising agri-food systems, suggesting that it is a crucial step towards achieving SDG 2 – Zero Hunger.

The second speaker focuses on the challenge posed by the lack of access to digital services in rural communities.

They point out that one-third of the global population does not have access to such services, and rural populations are particularly affected. This suggests that the digital divide between urban and rural areas is a significant barrier that needs to be addressed.

The negative sentiment expressed by the speaker underscores the severity of the challenge and the need for targeted interventions to bridge the digital gap in rural areas. SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure is directly related to this issue.

The third speaker highlights the need for broader coordination and guidance from UN agencies and other relevant forums.

They suggest that the FAO requires assistance in reaching the last mile, implying that certain rural communities are still not benefiting from digitalisation efforts. The positive sentiment expressed by the speaker indicates the potential of UN agencies and other forums in providing guidance or recommendations to overcome this challenge.

This observation emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and UN coordination in supporting the digitalisation of agri-food systems.

Overall, it is evident from the arguments presented that digitalising agri-food systems is seen as an urgent need to improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

The lack of access to digital services in rural communities poses a major challenge that hampers the achievement of sustainable development goals. Broader coordination and guidance from UN agencies and other relevant forums are necessary to ensure that all communities benefit from digitalisation efforts.

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The discussions highlighted the need for better integration of the work of the Technical Cooperation Group on the UN Development Account (TEC-EMOY) with the Ad Hoc Expert Group on the Digital Compact (ANGES). It was argued that this integration is vital for achieving more effective digital presence and awareness.

For example, Calvin from Rwanda was mentioned as a potential addition to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and has been co-leading the global digital compact process. This showcases the importance of merging the efforts of TEC-EMOY and ANGES to foster collaboration and achieve common goals.

Another focal point of the discussions was the pressing need for increased work on digital presence in the most populous cities.

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) is actively engaged in conducting a United Nations e-government survey, revealing a commitment to addressing this matter. It was highlighted that out of the 193 member states of the United Nations, only 147 of them had an online presence.

This illustrates a concerning digital divide and underlines the necessity for concerted efforts to bridge this gap and ensure digital access and presence for all.

The importance of coordination for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) plus 20 reviews was also emphasized.

The WSIS action lines, which were initially established in 2005, were brought into question regarding their continued relevance. With the rapid advancements in technology since their inception, there were discussions on whether all the existing action lines should still be maintained or if new ones should be introduced.

It was suggested that the WSIS action line review carried out by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the WSIS Action Line review conducted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) should collaborate and coordinate their efforts to maximize the impact of their reviews.

In conclusion, the need for better integration between TEC-EMOY and ANGES to enhance digital presence and awareness, the urgency of addressing digital presence in the most populous cities, and the importance of coordinated efforts for the WSIS plus 20 reviews were all highlighted.

The discussions revealed a collective optimism for a smoother negotiation process and thorough coordination during the WSIS plus 20 review. These insights provide valuable guidance for future actions in advancing digital development and bridging the digital divide.

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UNGIS, the United Nations Group on the Information Society, was endorsed by the Chief Executive Board as an interagency mechanism. Its primary objective is to consolidate and address substantive issues in digital, information, and knowledge societies. This initiative has received positive sentiment and is seen as crucial in addressing the challenges faced by these societies.

UNGIS actively collaborates with other organizations to raise awareness about the importance of digital advancements.

This collaboration includes making joint statements and conducting side events to highlight the significance of digital in various contexts. Notable events where UNGIS emphasized the importance of digital include the high-level political forum and the United Nations conference on Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

During the high-level political forum, UNGIS organized an event specifically focused on highlighting the importance of digital.

This demonstrates their commitment to advocating for the integration of digital technologies in addressing global challenges. Additionally, at the United Nations conference on LDCs, UNGIS played an active role in discussions, emphasizing how digital advancements are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Moreover, there is an argument for UNGIS to continue highlighting the significance of digital advancements in various fields.

This argument is supported by specific examples, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) focusing on the use of digital technologies in agriculture and the World Health Organization (WHO) prioritizing digital solutions in e-health. These examples further emphasize the potential benefits of incorporating digital technologies into different sectors.

In conclusion, UNGIS, endorsed by the Chief Executive Board, serves as an interagency mechanism to address the challenges faced by digital, information, and knowledge societies.

Its collaboration with other organizations, as exemplified by its involvement in events like the high-level political forum and the United Nations conference on LDCs, underscores the importance of digital advancements in tackling global issues. With the increasing emphasis on digital technologies in various fields, UNGIS should continue its role in advocating for and promoting the integration of digital solutions to advance development and achieve the SDGs.

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During the meeting, representatives from various organizations convened to discuss the topics of digitalisation and digital transformation. The attendees included Shizuka Murika, the CEO of digitalisation and digital transformation at UNESCO, and Sebastian Riversky, the director of digitalisation and digital transformation at GIZ.

Additionally, Anka and Paul Gaskell, from GIZ and the UK Department for Science and Innovation Technology respectively, were also present.

Taichiro Fujisaki, the director of digitalisation and digital transformation at the University of California, Virginia, joined the conversation, along with Simon Ellis, Paul Blaker, and Josephine.

Each participant introduced themselves and highlighted their roles and affiliations.

The attendees emphasised the significance of the issues at hand, evident from their active participation in the meeting. They discussed various aspects related to digitalisation and digital transformation, likely sharing insights and experiences from their respective organisations.

However, specific details of their discussions were not disclosed in the excerpt provided.

Overall, the meeting served as a collaborative platform for professionals in the field to exchange ideas and work towards advancing digitalisation and digital transformation.

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During the discussion, several participants highlighted key points regarding the importance of the Action Line to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Dennis from Dessa endorsed a previous comment emphasizing the contribution of the Action Line to WSIS.

This endorsement reflects a positive sentiment towards the significance of the Action Line’s role in the overall goals of WSIS.

While connectivity was acknowledged as a crucial aspect, it was also noted that it is not the only issue in the information society and within WSIS.

This neutral sentiment suggests the need to address other important factors beyond connectivity to achieve a comprehensive and inclusive information society.

The public postal infrastructure was identified as an essential access point for the information society. This positive sentiment recognizes the role of public postal services in providing access to information and communication technologies.

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) was mentioned as working with member states to assess the digital transformation capability of public infrastructure and provide support to improve it. This highlights the UPU’s commitment to enhancing public postal infrastructure, further supporting the positive sentiment.

However, a negative sentiment was expressed regarding the digital divide, with concerns raised about its continued growth.

This observation underlines the persistent gap in access to technology and the need to address this issue to ensure a more equitable information society.

An encouraging development was the assertion that all United Nations (UN) agencies now have a digital agenda.

This positive sentiment reflects the recognition of the importance of integrating digital strategies across UN agencies to effectively address the challenges and opportunities presented in the digital age.

The UPU was also recognized for its unique role in bridging discussions across various spaces, including the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), WSIS, and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

The UPU’s operation of a top-level domain (.post) and close collaboration with UNCTAD, ITC, and ITU further support the positive sentiment towards its involvement in digital discussions.

The need to strengthen the United Nations Joint Inspection Unit (UNJUS) for improved coordination within the UN system was advocated.

This reflects a positive sentiment towards enhancing coordination among UN agencies. Concerns were raised about the current lack of coordination within the UN system, highlighting the importance of utilizing the UNJUS to address this issue.

Furthermore, there was a call for better coordination of action and efficient use of public funds within the UN system.

This positive sentiment recognizes the need for improved planning, visibility, and engagement to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UN activities.

Criticism was directed at the current process for obtaining input for the vision, with a negative sentiment towards its fragmented nature and suitability for generating a broader vision.

This observation highlights the need for a more cohesive and inclusive process to capture a wider range of perspectives in shaping the vision.

The idea of an interactive and comprehensive consultation process, similar to the ones held in 2003 and 2005, was favored.

This positive sentiment advocates for a more inclusive approach to involve various stakeholders and gather diverse perspectives, building on the successful outcomes of previous interactive consultations.

The significance of local content and indigenous languages was also emphasized, with positive sentiments supporting their inclusion.

The World Summit Award was mentioned in connection with local content creation, and the question was raised about how to incorporate these aspects into the discussion. This observation highlights the importance of considering local impact and cultural diversity in the development of the information society.

The Leadership Panel was subject to a positive sentiment advocating for a broader, more inclusive process.

This sentiment aligns with the need to involve a diverse range of voices and perspectives in the decision-making process, beyond the limitations of the current panel.

In conclusion, the discussion covered various important aspects related to WSIS and the information society.

These included the contribution of the Action Line, the importance of addressing factors beyond connectivity, the role of public postal infrastructure, concerns about the digital divide, the digital agendas of UN agencies, the unique role of UPU in digital discussions, the need to strengthen UNJUS for better coordination, the call for improved coordination and efficient use of public funds, criticism of the current process for obtaining input, the desire for an interactive and comprehensive consultation process, the significance of local content and indigenous languages, and the need for a broader, more inclusive approach to the Leadership Panel.

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The analysis explores discussions on the United Nations Global Information Society (UNGIS) agency and its significance in promoting digital development. Prateek Sibal highlights the importance of cooperation among UNGIS agencies, such as UNDP, ITU, UNESCO, UNEP, and UNCTAD, for digital development.

There are mixed opinions on the need for better coordination at the country level, with existing efforts to strengthen coordination being defended.

Sibal acknowledges the need to enhance coordination at the country level and emphasizes ongoing work on joint country programs. These efforts aim to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting collaboration among stakeholders. The launch of the digital window by the U.N.

SDG fund is one such initiative to catalyse digital transformation at the country level, with UNISR participating as part of the Secretariat.

UNESCO is actively involved in various areas related to the information society. It focuses on five action lines: C3 (access to information and knowledge), C7 (e-learning and e-science), C8 (cultural diversity, identity, linguistic diversity, and local content), C9 (media), and C10 (ethical dimensions of information societies).

These initiatives demonstrate UNESCO’s commitment to promoting access to information, knowledge, cultural diversity and identity, and the ethical use of media and information.

Additionally, UNESCO plays a crucial role in strengthening internet governance through evidence-based assessments. Using the Rome X framework, UNESCO assesses internet governance to ensure peace, justice, and the establishment of strong institutions.

UNESCO’s endorsement of the concept of information as a public good, made during the UNESCO General Conference in 2021 as part of the Windhoek Plus 30 declaration, reinforces the organisation’s commitment to promoting open access to information for societal benefit.

UNESCO actively addresses the challenges posed by disinformation and misinformation through media and information literacy programs.

These initiatives showcase UNESCO’s dedication to equipping individuals with the necessary skills to critically evaluate and navigate information in the digital era.

Furthermore, UNESCO is engaged in two significant global discussions. Firstly, it focuses on AI ethics, where UNESCO’s recommendation serves as the globally accepted standard on artificial intelligence.

Secondly, UNESCO is planning to align its VISIS 2.0 initiative with the GDC (Geneva Dialogue on the Digital Society) process. UNESCO aims to present the achievements of VISIS 2.0 to the General Conference in November, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders to achieve the SDGs.

Finally, UNESCO is set to host the 2025 conference with a theme centered around digital governance and digital transformation.

Taking place in February 2025 at UNESCO headquarters, this conference serves as a follow-up to the GDC and the Summit of the Future.

In summary, the analysis covers diverse discussions on the UNGIS agency and its work. Prateek Sibal underscores the importance of cooperation among UN agencies for digital development.

UNESCO’s involvement encompasses various aspects of the information society, including access to information and knowledge, cultural diversity, media literacy, internet governance, open science, and AI ethics. Their endorsement of information as a public good and plans for initiatives such as VISIS 2.0 and the 2025 conference highlight UNESCO’s commitment to advancing digital transformation for a sustainable future.

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The meeting focused on the importance of establishing a joint position for the United Nations Global Information Society (UNGIS) in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process. There was a consensus among participants that having a unified stance from UNGIS would be beneficial in shaping the direction of the WSIS process.

It was highlighted that there is a strong desire for UNGIS to be actively involved in the WSIS process.

Another key point that emerged from the discussions was the need for the participation of all UN agencies in UNGIS.

It was emphasized that UNGIS already includes 32 UN entities and there is a push to include more agencies to ensure comprehensive representation. This inclusive approach is considered essential for fostering effective partnerships and collaborations to achieve the goals of Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The meeting also identified the potential benefits of developing an internal work plan and a marketing strategy for UNGIS.

Participants recognized that having a clear roadmap for UNGIS and adopting targeted marketing approaches would help effectively engage different population segments. This strategic approach is seen as crucial for disseminating information, raising awareness, and ensuring the engagement of diverse stakeholders in UNGIS initiatives.

Measurement was another significant aspect discussed during the meeting.

The importance of measuring the progress and impact of action lines in the WSIS process was specifically highlighted. A question was raised regarding the future of action lines and how their measurement can contribute to the overall evaluation of the WSIS process.

This highlights the need for a robust measurement framework to assess the effectiveness and success of action lines in advancing the goals of the WSIS.

In addition to these key points, the meeting also highlighted positive developments in terms of integrated responses and the convergence of agencies.

The European Union (EU) was mentioned as investing $30 million in a digital window that emphasizes integrated responses, which require collaboration between multiple agencies. This example demonstrates the growing recognition of the importance of coordinated efforts and partnerships to address complex challenges in the information society.

In conclusion, the discussions emphasized the importance of establishing a joint position for UNGIS in the WSIS process and the need for the participation of all UN agencies.

The development of an internal work plan and a marketing strategy for UNGIS was identified as necessary for effective outreach, while the measurement of action lines was emphasized for evaluating progress. The positive developments in integrated responses and the convergence of agencies further underscore the significance of collaboration and partnerships in advancing the goals of the information society.

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The United Nations Global Initiative on Science and Innovation for Sustainable Development (UNGIS) acts as a collaborative platform for UN agencies to cooperate and coordinate their efforts. This is achieved through various initiatives such as joint events and statements. Prateek suggests that UNGIS serves as an avenue for UN agencies to work together, as demonstrated by their joint events and statements.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are supported through digital transformation and development at the country level.

The UN SDG Fund is launching a digital window to catalyze digital transformation and development. This initiative aims to leverage digital technologies to accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

UNCTAD, ITC, and UPU actively work towards helping developing countries benefit from the digital economy.

The E-Trade for All initiative, launched by UNCTAD, involved 35 partner organizations. Moreover, UNCTAD’s mandate was renewed in 2021 to strengthen its work in the digital economy. This signifies a shift in focus towards supporting developing countries in embracing the opportunities offered by digitalization.

UNCTAD also emphasizes gathering data on digital trade.

Guidelines for collecting data on digital trade have been developed in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). This demonstrates UNCTAD’s commitment to understanding and promoting digital trade, which is crucial for shaping effective policies.

Furthermore, UNCTAD collaborates with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to manage e-business.

Their joint efforts aim to foster an enabling environment for electronic business, further supporting the digital economy.

Additionally, UNCTAD provides sectoral service and substance support to the UN Commission on Science, Technology, and Development (CSED). This involves reviewing the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), highlighting UNCTAD’s commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation within the UN system.

The annual review of UNGIS is prepared by seeking inputs from UNGIS members and other stakeholders.

Inputs are also welcomed from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, and technical communities. This inclusive approach ensures a comprehensive and diverse assessment of UNGIS’s activities and achievements.

Finally, the deadline for providing inputs to the annual review has been extended, allowing stakeholders to contribute even at the last minute before paper submission for policy clearance.

This extension reflects a commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of the valuable insights that stakeholders can bring to the review process.

In conclusion, UNGIS functions as a collaborative platform for UN agencies, facilitating cooperation and coordination. UNCTAD, ITC, and UPU focus on supporting developing countries in benefiting from the digital economy, while also prioritising the collection of data on digital trade.

Additionally, UNCTAD collaborates with ITU and ITC to manage e-business and provides sectoral service and substance support to CSED. The annual review of UNGIS seeks inputs from various stakeholders, and the deadline for input submission has been extended. These efforts contribute to advancing science, technology, and sustainable development within the UN system.

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The speakers delivered a series of informative talks highlighting various topics and their relevance to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the main points emphasized was the significance of the Digital ID Programme in achieving SDG 16.9, which focuses on providing legal identification to all individuals.

The speakers stressed the fact that currently, around 5 million people in Africa live without any form of legal identity. By implementing a Digital ID Programme, governments and organisations can ensure that everyone has access to proper identification, which is vital for inclusion, empowerment, and access to services.

Another important aspect discussed was the need for capacity building and skills enhancement to achieve the SDGs.

The speakers highlighted the importance of working with technology and innovation to build skills, particularly for girls aged 12 to 25 years. By equipping young girls with the necessary skills and knowledge, they can actively contribute to the progress of the SDGs and participate in the digital economy.

The role of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information System (UNGIS) was also highlighted during the talks.

The speakers recognised the significance of UNGIS at the UN level and advocated for its involvement in preparing a joint paper on why the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) should continue beyond 2025. They emphasised that UNGIS, with its ability to reflect the work of all 35 UN agencies, can effectively contribute to shaping the future of WSIS and its ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide.

Furthermore, the expansion of broadband access was another major point emphasised during the talks.

The speakers underscored the need to connect the remaining 60% of the African population who are currently not connected to the internet. With only 40% of the African population having internet access, expanding broadband infrastructure and access is crucial for promoting economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

Lastly, the speakers advocated for the continued work on WSIS after 2025, highlighting its potential to benefit regions like Africa.

They emphasised the importance of leveraging the opportunities presented by the digital era and continuing the collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide. By fostering closer partnerships, sharing knowledge and resources, and addressing the challenges of the digital world, WSIS can play a significant role in advancing the SDGs and ensuring a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, the talks provided valuable insights into the role of the Digital ID Programme, capacity building and skills enhancement, UNGIS, broadband access, and the continued work on WSIS.

These discussions shed light on the crucial links between these topics and the overarching goal of achieving the SDGs. By addressing these issues and implementing innovative solutions, the international community can work towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous world.

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The analysis covers three key points related to the United Nations’ involvement in digital agendas, stakeholder participation in the GDC and WSIS processes, and the need for a clear vision of how the GDC and WSIS processes connect.

Firstly, it is emphasised that every UN body has some sort of digital mandate due to the nature of the digital realm.

Examples of UN bodies with digital mandates include UNODC, ILO, OHCHR. The argument made is the importance of involving all UN bodies in the digital agenda for a comprehensive and effective implementation. This argument carries a neutral sentiment, signifying its importance without a strong positive or negative sentiment.

Secondly, there is a need to improve stakeholder participation in the GDC and WSIS processes.

Stakeholders are reportedly facing difficulties in understanding how to engage and what the next steps are in these processes. This highlights a lack of clarity and guidance from the UN in facilitating meaningful stakeholder involvement. The sentiment associated with this argument is negative, highlighting the need for enhancing stakeholder participation.

Lastly, it is argued that the UN should provide a clear vision of how the WSIS and GDC processes connect.

The tension and speculation surrounding the outcomes of these processes further emphasise the importance of providing clear guidance to alleviate confusion and uncertainty. The sentiment attached to this argument is also negative, suggesting a lack of clarity in understanding the interconnection between the WSIS and GDC processes.

In conclusion, the analysis suggests the need for comprehensive engagement of all UN bodies in the digital agenda, improvement in stakeholder participation in the GDC and WSIS processes, and a clearer vision of how these processes connect.

The sentiments expressed highlight areas for improvement and potential challenges that need to be addressed.

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This extended summary examines three different topics discussed by different speakers.

The first topic discussed is the regional projects of ASCAP (the Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management) and their contribution to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) action lines, particularly C11 (international and regional cooperation).

The ASCAP Commission adopted a resolution to promote regional cooperation. Additionally, ASCAP is co-hosting the seventh session of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway and WSIS Regional Review with Armenia. This collaboration aims to enhance connectivity and information sharing in the region.

The second topic discussed is the challenges faced by the UNGIS (United Nations Group on the Information Society) team.

The team has been inundated with a large number of emails and requests during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, there is a need for a work plan to improve efficiency within the UNGIS team. Establishing a plan of action early in the year for overall coordination is seen as crucial in addressing this issue.

The third topic discussed revolves around the WSIS framework and its measurement of progress.

Concerns have been raised regarding the difficulties encountered when discussing and advancing on action lines within the WSIS framework, particularly when the impact cannot be measured. It is argued that the previous efforts of reviewing WSIS effectiveness happened before the initiative of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To overcome this challenge, it is suggested that the new WSIS framework should be measurable, allowing for a more effective review of progress.

In conclusion, the topics discussed highlight the importance of regional cooperation in promoting information sharing and connectivity, the need for improved efficiency within the UNGIS team, and the necessity of a measurable framework in reviewing progress within the WSIS initiative.

These insights provide valuable considerations for further developments in the field of information society and digital connectivity.

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The analysis features three speakers discussing various topics. The first speaker underscores the significance of providing equitable access to information for everyone. They highlight that students in their 20s do not frequently visit the United Nations (UN) site to stay informed about global events.

To address this issue, the speaker suggests that the UN should offer easily accessible links to its resources, ensuring that all students can access the information they require.

The second speaker argues for targeted marketing strategies based on demographics, specifically age.

They note that young students do not regularly visit the UN site and highlight the absence of the UN on popular platforms like Instagram, which are frequently used by young people. To effectively engage with this demographic, the speaker suggests that the UN should invest in targeted marketing campaigns on platforms frequented by young people.

Moving on to the third speaker, they express the viewpoint that young people in developing countries should adopt sustainable practices instead of following the harmful development strategies employed by developed countries in the past.

The speaker notes that some students from China and other developing countries hold the belief that since developed countries have previously contributed to global pollution, they too have the right to do so. The speaker argues against this mentality and advocates for the adoption of sustainable practices to mitigate the negative impact on the environment.

By encouraging sustainable practices, the speaker suggests that young people can play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and responsible consumption and production.

Overall, the analysis highlights the need for equitable access to information, targeted marketing strategies based on demographics such as age, and the importance of encouraging sustainable practices among young people in developing countries.

By addressing these issues, the speakers believe that progress can be made towards reducing inequalities, promoting quality education, and achieving peace, justice, and strong institutions, as outlined by the Sustainable Development Goals.

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The Secretary General has shown his support for digital cooperation and has decided to engage in a concerted high-level political manner. This approach aims to maintain the multi-stakeholder character of the discussions while implementing a roadmap for digital transformation. The Secretary General envisions the Global Digital Cooperation (GDC) as a platform that carries significant political weight.

The GDC would help fulfill the Secretary General’s vision by providing a high-level political engagement.

Negotiations for the GDC are expected to commence in January and continue throughout the first and second quarters of the year. These negotiations would play a pivotal role in shaping the direction and objectives of the GDC.

While it is unclear precisely what will be discussed during these negotiations, they are anticipated to address various aspects related to digital cooperation.

The Secretary General also recognises the importance of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and its role in internet governance.

The IGF has proven to be a crucial governance arrangement, facilitating the internet’s exponential growth from 20 million users in the 90s to billions of users today. The Secretary General fully supports the IGF and acknowledges its significance in fostering effective internet governance.

In terms of updating the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), the GDC could serve as a means to align the WSIS with contemporary themes.

This would enable the WSIS to remain relevant and responsive to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The GDC would provide intergovernmental endorsement for this update, ensuring a coherent and ambitious approach.

While discussing the various processes related to digital cooperation, concerns have been raised regarding bandwidth and the potential confusion that can arise from navigating multiple processes.

The amount of effort required to keep track of these processes and the potential for duplication of efforts have been identified as significant challenges.

In conclusion, the Secretary General’s support for digital cooperation, the negotiations for the GDC, the recognition of the IGF’s importance, the potential for updating the WSIS, and concerns about bandwidth and confusion are all key aspects of the discussions on digital transformation.

These developments signify a concerted effort to address contemporary challenges and ensure effective global digital cooperation.

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The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) is a strong advocate for equitable access to information, considering it vital for society. IFLA actively follows the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and supports the idea of information as the lifeblood of society.

Libraries, being critical infrastructure, play a pivotal role in providing equal access to information. The C3 Action Line focuses on access to information, emphasizing its importance in achieving sustainable development. The argument stresses the need for equitable information access regardless of gender, race, religion, or economic status, as it is fundamental to democracy and equal opportunities.

IFLA’s commitment, along with recognition of information’s significance, supports the cause of equitable access to information. This promotes democratic principles, equal opportunities, and contributes to SDGs such as 9, 16, 4, 5, and 10.