UN Member States have pledged to close widening digital divides and introduce stronger safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI), as the UN General Assembly concluded a major global review of digital governance and technology cooperation.
The high-level meeting marked the close of the WSIS+20 review, assessing two decades of progress since the launch of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)—a UN-led process created in the early 2000s when internet access was still limited to a small share of the world’s population.
Today, delegates said the challenge is no longer simply connecting people, but ensuring that rapidly evolving digital technologies—especially AI—are governed in ways that protect human rights, build trust, and promote inclusion.
Why WSIS Still Matters
WSIS was launched in 2003 to guide international cooperation on information and communication technologies (ICTs), using a multi-stakeholder approach that brings together governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and technical experts.
That model remains central today as digital technologies shape nearly every aspect of life—from economies and education to healthcare and public services—while millions remain digitally excluded.
Digital Divides Are Growing
Addressing the General Assembly, its President Annalena Baerbock warned that although internet access is now essential, progress remains uneven.
Globally, around two-thirds of people are online, but access is far lower in many developing countries. Women and girls continue to be disproportionately excluded.
“Two decades later, our shared vision of a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society remains unfinished,” she said.
She stressed that access alone is insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for responsible governance of AI and emerging technologies, particularly as innovation continues to outpace regulation.
New Commitments for a Human-Centred Digital Era
The meeting concluded with the adoption of an outcome document reaffirming a commitment to a people-centred digital future rooted in human rights and the UN Charter.
Key priorities include:
- Accelerating efforts to close digital divides
- Investing in digital infrastructure and skills
- Creating stable and predictable digital policy environments
- Strengthening data governance and AI safeguards
The document builds on commitments under the Global Digital Compact and calls for enhanced international cooperation on AI capacity-building, particularly for developing countries. This includes training programmes, access to technical resources, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Member States also agreed to:
- Establish an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI
- Launch a Global Dialogue on AI Governance in 2026
