This year marks the 20-year review of the landmark World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20). These recommendations build on the Five-Point Plan for an Inclusive WSIS+20 Review – endorsed by over 100 CSOs and 40 experts - and aim to ensure transparency, inclusivity and meaningful engagement in the process.
Add your signature to the letter here.
As engaged stakeholders in the WSIS+20 review process, we, the undersigned, submit these further recommendations:
1. Appoint a non-governmental stakeholder liaison within UN DESA to support the co-facilitators and the President of the General Assembly to facilitate stakeholder engagement.
2. Ensure the dedicated online platform centralising all relevant information is set up immediately and maintained regularly throughout the process.
3. Use the dedicated online platform to streamline resources and opportunities to broaden and diversify participation, including information about capacity building resources; national or regional consultations; visa assistance and supporting documentation; financial support for travel and broadband access to participate virtually.
4. Collect input on each iteration of the draft Outcome Document, including via:
- Written submissions (with at least 7 working day notice and submission period), using multilingual submission templates with reasonable word limits;
- Consultations, as outlined in point 5.
5. Design consultations to enable full and equal participation of stakeholders through:
- Providing timely notice and sharing background documents and guiding questions at least 7 working days in advance;
- Selecting accessible locations, supporting hybrid participation and offering synchronised meetings at multiple locations;
- Accommodating diverse time zones, non-standard working days, and offering low-bandwidth participation options;
- Applying equitable speaking arrangements, such as alternating or rotating speaking slots and ensuring balanced time allocation;
- Structuring interactive dialogue formats that allow non-governmental and governmental stakeholders to respond to each other in real time.
6. Publish synthesis reports of inputs on each iteration of the draft Outcome Document, summarising written and verbal input, explaining how contributions were addressed and clearly indicating areas of consensus, disagreement, or ongoing discussion.
7. Ensure opportunities for meaningful non-governmental stakeholder participation in the intergovernmental negotiations by:
- Enabling stakeholders to, at a minimum, observe all meetings –preparatory or otherwise– in-person and via live-stream on UN Web TV;
- Providing opportunities for stakeholder interventions through dedicated speaking slots.
8. Ensure non-governmental stakeholders have a meaningful role in the High Level Meeting by:
- Publishing accreditation procedures at least three months in advance;
- Broadening eligibility criteria beyond WSIS+10 to include participants of national, regional, and global IGFs;
- Allocating speaking opportunities, side events, and space for engagement with delegates.