2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum Side Event: WSIS+20: Building a digital future for all

February 5

ITU

WSIS Forum co-organisers (ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, UNCTAD)

Session 113

Wednesday, 5 February 2025 ∼ in 5 days15:00–16:00 (UTC+01:00)Virtual (remote) participation onlyWSIS&SDG TalkX

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes that the world will achieve the SDGs only by mustering the full power of science, technology, and innovation. This side event will underscore the critical role of the WSIS Process in fostering digital transformation and highlight the upcoming WSIS+20 review as a key milestone for advancing digital governance and global cooperation. It will showcase how these efforts contribute to an inclusive, sustainable digital future that leaves no one behind.

Ms. Nur Sulyna AbdullahChief, Strategic Planning and Membership, and Special Advisor to the Secretary-GeneralInternational Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Ms. Cynthia LesufiChair of ITU Council Working Group on WSIS&SDGSouth Africa

Mr. Jacco-Pepijn BaljetSenior Policy Officer, CyberMinistry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands

Mr. Ian SheldonDirector, Internet GovernanceAustralian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

Ms. Yu Ping ChanHead, Digital Partnerships and EngagementUnited Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Ms. Karen McCabeSenior Director, Technology PolicyIEEE SA

Mr. Sebastián RoviraHead of the Unit of Digital TransformationUnited Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

Dr. Carl GahnbergDirector, Policy Development and ResearchInternet Society (ISOC)

Ms. Gitanjali SahStrategy and Policy CoordinatorInternational Telecommunication Union (ITU)Moderator