WSIS+20 Adopted: Strengthening Multistakeholder Cooperation for a Scalable, Secure and Resilient Internet
The RIPE NCC warmly welcomes the successful conclusion of the WSIS+20 and the adoption of the WSIS+20 Outcome Document by the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following months of intensive consultations and negotiations. This outcome takes meaningful stock of the progress achieved since the original WSIS commitments, while clearly identifying the areas where renewed effort, cooperation and coordination are needed to advance a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the WSIS+20 Co-Facilitators, Ekitela Lokaale, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations, and Suela Janina, Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations, for their inclusive, transparent and highly diplomatic stewardship of this complex process. Their efforts to engage constructively with all stakeholder groups and to bridge positions were instrumental in delivering a balanced and forward-looking outcome. We also thank all UN Member States for their commitment and flexibility throughout the negotiations, as well as our many partners, colleagues and peers across the technical community, civil society, the private sector, academia and international organisations for their sustained and constructive engagement.
From RIPE NCC’s perspective, the adopted text sends a clear and positive signal. It reaffirms multistakeholder cooperation as a cornerstone of effective digital governance, anchors digital development firmly in international human rights, and recognises that an open, global, interoperable, stable and secure Internet remains essential to achieving sustainable development and digital inclusion for all. The emphasis on addressing persistent digital divides in access, affordability and skills, closely aligns with our long-standing work in Internet coordination, capacity building and evidence-based policy support.
We particularly welcome the recognition of the shared responsibility of all stakeholder groups in Internet governance, alongside the renewed commitment to international cooperation to prevent, identify and address risks of Internet fragmentation. The decision to establish the Internet Governance Forum as a permanent UN forum is a historic milestone, reflecting the trust placed by governments and stakeholders alike in the IGF’s open, inclusive and non-prescriptive model. Measures outlined to strengthen its functioning, improve participation from underrepresented regions, and enhance its links with other UN processes will further reinforce its relevance in the years ahead.
The RIPE NCC also welcomes the strengthening of the role of the United Nations Group on the Information Society, and the development of joint implementation roadmaps linking WSIS Action Lines with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Digital Compact. These steps move the WSIS+20 outcomes decisively from vision to implementation and provide a practical framework for coherence and accountability.
As one of the five Regional Internet Registries, RIPE NCC stands ready to continue contributing its technical expertise, data-driven insights and capacity-building efforts in support of WSIS implementation. We look forward to working closely with Member States, UN bodies and the broader multistakeholder community to translate this shared outcome into sustained, practical progress, strengthening one global Internet that remains open, secure and resilient for the benefit of all.