World Summit on the Information Society

Definition

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) was a two-phase summit organized by the United Nations aimed at bridging the digital divide and fostering an inclusive information society. It sought to address issues related to internet governance, access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), and the role of these technologies in promoting social and economic development across the globe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first phase of WSIS took place in Geneva in December 2003, while the second phase was held in Tunis in November 2005.
2. One of the main outcomes of WSIS was the establishment of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) to discuss public policy issues related to internet governance.
3. WSIS emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder participation, including governments, private sector, civil society, and international organizations, in shaping an inclusive information society.
4. The summit produced a declaration and action plan that outlined key goals for achieving equitable access to ICTs and ensuring that these technologies benefit everyone globally.
5. WSIS highlighted issues such as cybersecurity, freedom of expression online, and the need for policies that promote multilingualism on the internet.

Review Questions

• How did the World Summit on the Information Society address the issue of the digital divide?
  • The World Summit on the Information Society directly tackled the digital divide by promoting policies aimed at increasing access to information and communication technologies for underserved populations. The summit's focus on equitable access included discussions about infrastructure development, affordability of technology, and education initiatives to ensure that everyone could benefit from digital advancements. By emphasizing these areas, WSIS aimed to create an inclusive information society that bridges gaps between different socioeconomic groups.
• What role did multi-stakeholder participation play in shaping the outcomes of WSIS?
  • Multi-stakeholder participation was crucial for the World Summit on the Information Society, as it brought together diverse perspectives from governments, private sector representatives, civil society, and international organizations. This collaborative approach allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of internet governance issues and ensured that various interests were represented in decision-making processes. The emphasis on inclusivity not only strengthened the legitimacy of WSIS outcomes but also fostered partnerships that are essential for addressing global challenges related to ICTs.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of WSIS on global internet governance and access to information technologies.
  • The long-term impacts of the World Summit on the Information Society can be seen through its influence on global internet governance frameworks and ongoing initiatives aimed at increasing access to information technologies. By establishing the Internet Governance Forum and promoting multi-stakeholder dialogue, WSIS laid the groundwork for continuous engagement among various actors in shaping internet policies. Furthermore, its focus on bridging the digital divide has inspired numerous projects worldwide aimed at improving ICT accessibility, particularly in developing countries. The principles outlined during WSIS continue to guide discussions around digital rights, cybersecurity, and equitable technological advancement today.

Related terms

Digital Divide: The gap between individuals who have easy access to digital technology and those who do not, often due to socioeconomic factors.

ICT4D: Information and Communication Technologies for Development, a field that focuses on how ICT can be leveraged to support economic growth and improve living standards in developing countries.

Internet Governance: The development and application of shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programs that shape the evolution and use of the internet.