WSIS Forum 2023: Crowdsourcing insights on sustainable digital transformation

The world’s largest multi-stakeholder platform on sustainable digital development aims to rally governments, companies, United Nations agencies and other partners behind a push to harness emerging technologies for the good of all.

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2023 aligns emerging tech like artificial intelligence (AI), the metaverse, big data and the Internet of Things with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.

This latest annual edition, taking place 13-17 March, promotes “WSIS Action Lines for building back better and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs.”

The WSIS Forum facilitates dialogue on the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for sustainable development, with an emphasis on accelerating digital transformation to tackle today’s social and economic challenges.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres will address high-level sessions by video, while other sessions delve into cybersecurity, space as a driver of sustainable development for all, ICT Infrastructure, capacity building, and creating an enabling environment, as well as digital health, smart cities, making cyber tech green and resilient, and climate and environment standards for ICTs.

Dr Emilija Stojmenova Duh, Minister of Digital Transformation, Republic of Slovenia is chairing WSIS Forum 2023.

Digital transformation for all

A fully crowdsourced programme engaged target stakeholders – including representatives from governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, the technical community, and intergovernmental organizations – in preparing the forum agenda.

This year’s discussions will also span digital transformation and innovation for sustainable development; building inclusive digital economies and societies; digital infrastructure and connectivity for all; promoting digital skills and education for all; ensuring digital trust and cybersecurity; strengthening international and multi-stakeholder cooperation to achieve the SDGs.

WSIS Forum 2023 is expected to attract more than 1,500 participants from over 150 countries.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will host the five-day gathering in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Sessions take place at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland, with options available for remote participation. The High-Level Track is scheduled to take place on 14-15 March featuring high-level policy sessions, ministerial roundtables, ambassadors’ briefings, and mayors’ dialogues.

Learn more about WSIS Forum 2023.