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UN: Five-Point Plan for an Inclusive WSIS+20 Review

Digital 2 min read
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UN: Five-Point Plan for an Inclusive WSIS+20 Review - Digital

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ARTICLE 19, together with other engaged stakeholders engaged  in the World Summit on the Information Society 20-year review (WSIS+20) process, submitted the following recommendations1These draw on existing guidance on multistakeholderism, e.g. São Paulo Multistakeholder Guidelines to help operationalise the WSIS+20 review modalities to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

1. Publish a Clear and Inclusive Timeline:

    • Within 7 days of appointing the co-facilitators, publish and maintain a comprehensive timeline outlining key milestones, including consultations and government-only negotiations, with adequate notice of any changes.
    • Provide stakeholders with at least 7 days to submit written input.

2. Ensure Transparency and Accountability:

    • Maintain an online platform2For example, see this OHCHR platform. centralizing all input and draft documents, their status, and stakeholders consulted.
    • Publish substantive records of all consultations, including summary reports of main points and how these have been addressed, to enhance explainability.
    • Live-stream government-only negotiations 3For example, see recent negotiations on the UN Convention on Cybercrime and provide post-session transcripts.

3. Facilitate Inclusive and Meaningful Stakeholder Consultations:

    • Actively seek stakeholder input at every stage (elements paper, zero / first / final drafts) through written submissions and official virtual/in-person consultations, applying equal participation rules for governments and other stakeholders.
    • Hold official stakeholder consultations at existing forums, including global and regional IGF initiatives and the WSIS High-Level Event, while also inviting Member States to conduct national consultations.
    • Implement a multistakeholder speaking order during consultations by alternating speaking slots among governments and other stakeholder groups, with reasonable time allocation for interventions.

4. Broaden and Diversify Participation:

    • Build on the WSIS+10 accreditation process, including by broadening the group of eligible stakeholders to participants of national, regional, and global IGFs.
    • Promote diverse participation by offering financial and logistical support for underrepresented communities, particularly from the Global Majority.
    • Ensure accessibility globally by implementing measures such as accommodating different time zones and working days, publishing key documents in official UN languages, and providing low-bandwidth participation options.

5. Maximise Inclusive Participation in Final Negotiations:

    • Limit any necessary closed-door intergovernmental negotiations to the final stage of the WSIS+20 process.
    • Ensure meaningful and inclusive multistakeholder participation at the High-Level Meeting.
  • 1
    These draw on existing guidance on multistakeholderism, e.g. São Paulo Multistakeholder Guidelines
  • 2
    For example, see this OHCHR platform.
  • 3
    For example, see recent negotiations on the UN Convention on Cybercrime