IGF 2025: WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025: OCP Special Briefing
WSIS
Session 503
Register for physical (on-site) or virtual (remote) participation
The annual WSIS Forum, hosted by ITU since 2009 and co-organized with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in collaboration with over 40 UN entities, serves as a multistakeholder platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. It produces actionable policy recommendations and fosters collaborative initiatives. The Forum has become a cornerstone of the WSIS process, bringing together the WSIS multistakeholder community.
Over the past 15 years, the WSIS Forum has grown into the world’s leading multistakeholder platform for digital development, engaging a truly global community. With participation from over 160 countries, the Forum has welcomed more than 50,000 stakeholders—both onsite and virtually—including representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and international organizations.
The annual WSIS Forum, known for its inclusive and participatory approach, serves as a cornerstone of the WSIS process by promoting digital development through dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices among a diverse array of stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, international organizations, and academia. Each edition features high-level policy sessions, thematic workshops, and interactive discussions addressing pressing issues in the global tech sector. With annual themes reflecting emerging trends and challenges, the Forum ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in formulating digital policies and strategies, enabling stakeholders to stay informed and adapt to technology and policy advancements.
Gitanjali Sah is an experienced International Civil Servant and has worked with several United Nations Organizations like ITU, UNESCO and UNDP in the field of ICT on Development related policy and implementation issues at an international, regional and national level. At present she is working with the International Telecommunication Union and is focussed on the coordination of global digital UN Processes like World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and others to achieve the internationally agreed development goals.
She has an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge, UK and a Masters from the Jawarhar Lal Nehru University, India.
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Mr. Jakovljevic is the Director of the Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division and Chief Information Officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
He has more than 20 years of IT experience and use of technology in International Development. He is a strategic leader in the field, aiming to harness the power of technology towards achieving SDG goals. His work focuses on driving Digital Transformation, organizational modernization and enabling Innovation scale up and delivery.
Prior to joining FAO, Mr Jakovljevic held positions with UNICEF and WHO, with leadership roles in East Asia and Pacific, European Region, and driving global initiatives in the other parts of the world. Mr. Jakovljevic has Master's and Bachelor's degrees from the University of Houston, Texas.
Since 2007, Ryszard works in the United Nations Specialized Agency - the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). He is currently working as a Counsellor in the External Relations Division under the Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector. The Division is responsible for managing WIPO’s interactions and partnerships with external stakeholders, including Intergovernmental Organizations, Non-governmental Organizations and Industry.
Previously, he was the focal point for cooperation with a number of Central European and Balkan countries, where he coordinated WIPO support for the implementation of national and regional projects, such as the development/implementation of national IP strategies, updating national IP legislation, IP training, as well as building national and international private/public and public/public partnerships.
Before joining WIPO he gained experience in law companies and public institutions. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Law in Poland, specializing in IP and new technologies. He also studied international management and economics in Germany.