World Summit of Information Society (WSIS), 2022

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About World Summit of Information Society (WSIS)-

• The WSIS is a unique two-phase United Nations (UN) summit that was initiated in order to create an evolving multi- stakeholder platform aimed at addressing the issues raised by information and communication technologies (ICTs) through a structured and inclusive approach at the national, regional and international levels. 
• The goal of WSIS is to achieve a common vision, desire and commitment to build a people-centric, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information.
• It is co-organized by International Telecommunications Union (ITU), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in close collaboration with all WSIS Action Line co-/facilitators and other UN organizations. 
• Envisaged from its inception in two phases, the first phase of the Summit was held in Geneva 10-12 December 2003, where the foundations were laid by reaching agreement on a Declaration of Principles and a Plan of Action. 
• The second phase was held in Tunis, 16-18 November 2005, adopting the Tunis Commitment and the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society. 
• The latter includes chapters on Financing mechanisms, Internet Governance and implementation and follow-up. WSIS Forums have taken place periodically since then. 
• One of the Summit’s chief aims is to bridge the global digital divide separating rich countries from poor countries by increasing internet accessibility in the developing world. 
• The conference established 17 May as World Information Society Day.
• The WSIS+10 Process marked the ten-year milestone since the 2005 Summit. 

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