At the United Nations, nations are pledging to put people first in the digital future and have stricter AI security measures in place

The high-level meeting marked the conclusion of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a process launched in the early 2000s to guide global cooperation on digital development, access and inclusion, at a time when the Internet was just beginning to become an integral part of everyday life.

Two decades later, delegates said the challenge is no longer just getting people online, but ensuring that digital technologies – including AI – are governed in a way that protects human rights, builds trust and closes growing digital gaps.

Why the summit is important

WSIS was founded in 2003 to help countries work together on the opportunities and risks of information and communications technologies (ICT).

It brought together governments with businesses, civil society and technical experts – a multi-stakeholder approach that remains central to digital governance today.

At this year’s review, participants reflected on how profoundly digital tools are now shaping the economy, education, etc.