2024 ECOSOC Partnership Forum Side Event: WSIS Action Lines for Advancing the Achievement of SDGs


ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, UNCTAD

Session 114

Tuesday, 30 January 2024 14:15–15:30 (UTC+01:00) Virtual (remote) participation only Special Session 2 Images

Background

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) still stands as a strong example of global digital cooperation in action for over two decades, with its WSIS Action Lines withstanding the test of time. They are still relevant today to provide a robust framework for addressing digital challenges and opportunities. 

Characterized by its multistakeholder approach, WSIS serves as a model in fostering global cooperation and leveraging information and communication technologies (ICTs) to address contemporary challenges and drive sustainable progress. 

In alignment with the theme of the 2024 ECOSOC Partnership Forum ‘’Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions’’, this side event will focus on sharing the strategic work related to the implementation of the WSIS Action Lines, which guide tangible actions for sustainable development and resilience-building, with a crucial emphasis on the central role that partnerships play in achieving these goals.

Objective

This side event seeks to facilitate a meaningful dialogue on the role of WSIS, emphasising its commitment to addressing the digital divide and broader socio-economic challenges. The side-event will feature perspectives from government, international organization, civil society, private sector, and other stakeholders. 

Expected Outcome

The side event will highlight the concrete contributions of WSIS initiatives to the 2030 Agenda. The expected outcome involves reinforcing collaborations and partnerships across sectors, thereby affirming the lasting impact of WSIS initiatives on digital cooperation.

Panellists
Ms. Gitanjali Sah
Ms. Gitanjali Sah Strategy and Policy Coordinator International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Moderator

Ms. Anriette Esterhuysen
Ms. Anriette Esterhuysen Senior Advisor on internet governance, policy advocacy and strategic planning Association for Progressive Communications (APC)

Mr. Cedric Wachholz
Mr. Cedric Wachholz Chief, Digital Policies and Digital Transformation Section The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Ms. Karen McCabe
Ms. Karen McCabe Senior Director, Public Affairs & Marketing IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA)

Mr. Torbjörn Fredriksson
Mr. Torbjörn Fredriksson Head of the E-commerce and Digital Economy Branch United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Mr. Stephen Cluskey
Mr. Stephen Cluskey Chief Executive Officer Mobility Mojo

Ms. Gillian Hinde
Ms. Gillian Hinde Global corporate Responsibility Leader EY Global Services Limited (EY)

Mr. Adrian Wan
Mr. Adrian Wan Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager Internet Society (ISOC)

Ms. Yu Ping Chan
Ms. Yu Ping Chan Head of Digital Partnerships and Engagement United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Ms. Reine Essobmadje
Ms. Reine Essobmadje Co-Founder Digital Coalition

WSIS Action Lines
  • AL C1 logo C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
  • AL C2 logo C2. Information and communication infrastructure
  • AL C3 logo C3. Access to information and knowledge
  • AL C4 logo C4. Capacity building
  • AL C5 logo C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
  • AL C6 logo C6. Enabling environment
  • AL C7 E–GOV logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government
  • AL C7 E–BUS logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-business
  • AL C7 E–LEA logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
  • AL C7 E–HEA logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-health
  • AL C7 E–EMP logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-employment
  • AL C7 E–ENV logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-environment
  • AL C7 E–AGR logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-agriculture
  • AL C7 E–SCI logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-science
  • AL C8 logo C8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content
  • AL C9 logo C9. Media
  • AL C10 logo C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
  • AL C11 logo C11. International and regional cooperation
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 1 logo Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
  • Goal 3 logo Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all
  • Goal 4 logo Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
  • Goal 5 logo Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • Goal 8 logo Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
  • Goal 9 logo Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
  • Goal 16 logo Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
  • Goal 17 logo Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development