WSIS

Definition

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is a global initiative that aims to bridge the digital divide and promote information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development. This summit was held in two phases, in Geneva in 2003 and Tunis in 2005, bringing together governments, civil society, and private sector stakeholders to discuss the impact of ICTs on social and economic development. WSIS emphasizes the importance of inclusive access to technology and aims to create a global framework for internet governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. WSIS was a landmark event that highlighted the role of ICTs in achieving the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals.
2. The summit resulted in the creation of the WSIS Action Plan, which outlines specific actions for leveraging ICTs in various sectors such as education, health, and governance.
3. WSIS emphasized multi-stakeholder participation, recognizing that collaboration among governments, private sectors, and civil society is essential for effective internet governance.
4. The Tunis Phase of WSIS specifically addressed issues related to internet governance and led to the establishment of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
5. One of the key outcomes of WSIS is the recognition that access to information and communication technology is a fundamental human right essential for social inclusion.

Review Questions

• What were the primary goals of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and how did they seek to address global challenges?
  • The primary goals of WSIS were to bridge the digital divide and promote information and communication technologies (ICTs) as tools for sustainable development. The summit aimed to address global challenges by emphasizing inclusive access to technology, enhancing capacity building, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships. By bringing together various actors including governments, civil society, and the private sector, WSIS sought to create a unified approach to leverage ICTs for economic growth and social progress.
• Discuss how the WSIS Action Plan contributes to sustainable development initiatives worldwide.
  • The WSIS Action Plan contributes to sustainable development initiatives by providing a comprehensive framework that outlines specific actions for utilizing ICTs across multiple sectors. By addressing key areas such as education, healthcare, and governance, the Action Plan helps countries leverage technology to improve their development outcomes. It encourages collaboration among diverse stakeholders and promotes strategies aimed at enhancing access to information, thereby fostering inclusive growth and reducing inequalities.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of WSIS on internet governance and global digital policy frameworks.
  • The long-term impacts of WSIS on internet governance are significant as it established foundational principles that guide global digital policy frameworks. The summit initiated ongoing dialogues about multi-stakeholder governance models, recognizing that effective management of the internet requires collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society. Additionally, it led to the creation of platforms like the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which continues to facilitate discussions on pressing internet issues. This evolution reflects a growing understanding that internet governance is integral to achieving broader socio-economic objectives in an increasingly connected world.

Related terms

Digital Divide: The gap between those who have easy access to digital technology and those who do not, affecting opportunities for education, economic growth, and social participation.

ICT4D: Information and Communication Technologies for Development refers to the use of digital technologies to improve social and economic development outcomes in underserved communities.

Internet Governance: The rules, policies, and processes that guide the use and management of the internet, involving various stakeholders including governments, private sector, and civil society.