General Assembly Speakers Advocate for Bridging Digital Divides and Realizing World Summit
Ministers from across the globe convened today to emphasize the United Nations’ pivotal role in fostering a digital future that is inclusive, people-centered, and development-oriented. This gathering coincided with the General Assembly’s review of the commitments made during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by digital divides, particularly for marginalized communities, and the need for collaborative efforts to bridge these gaps as technology continues to evolve.
Global Commitment to Digital Inclusion
The WSIS serves as a dynamic platform for addressing the challenges posed by information and communications technologies. Initially held in Geneva in 2003 and Tunis in 2005, the summit has evolved into an annual forum that brings together various stakeholders. The recent WSIS+20 High-Level Event in July 2025 reaffirmed the commitment to this framework. Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister for Communications and Digital Technologies, who chaired the event, noted the widespread support for the WSIS architecture, emphasizing the need to adapt to changing times. He highlighted the importance of closing digital divides, particularly for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and communities in the Global South. While South Africa has made significant strides in connectivity, with nearly 80% of its population online, 13 million citizens remain without access.
Addressing Digital Divides in Development
Representatives from the Global South voiced concerns about the persistent digital divides that hinder development. The delegate from Lesotho pointed out that despite achieving over 95% mobile coverage, remote communities still struggle with technology access. She warned of a growing divide in artificial intelligence and data, which could marginalize smaller nations. Tunisia’s representative echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for technology transfer and capacity-building to empower developing countries. The United Arab Emirates’ delegate highlighted that 2.2 billion people remain offline, framing this issue as a significant development divide. Iraq’s representative emphasized that while advanced technologies could accelerate transformation, many countries still face barriers in access and affordability.
Calls for Permanent Internet Governance Forum
Several speakers advocated for a more inclusive approach to internet governance, urging the establishment of a permanent Internet Governance Forum under the UN. Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy, emphasized the need to align WSIS implementation with the broader UN digital agenda, which includes sustainable development. The European Union’s representative supported this call, highlighting the importance of institutionalizing the forum to ensure inclusive digital governance. Japan also expressed its commitment to strengthening the forum as a platform for dialogue on emerging technologies. The consensus among delegates is that a permanent forum would enhance cooperation and innovation in digital governance.
National Initiatives and Gender Considerations
Delegates shared insights into their national digital initiatives aimed at enhancing public services and infrastructure. Ghana’s representative highlighted the country’s efforts in digital public infrastructure, which promote efficiency and equitable access. Kyrgyzstan’s national digital policy focuses on legal reforms and infrastructure improvements, while India’s delegate emphasized the transformative impact of digital public goods. Estonia’s representative cautioned against centralized control, advocating for human rights in digital spaces. Additionally, Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly, underscored the importance of addressing the gender digital divide, noting that responsible governance of emerging technologies is crucial for fostering inclusive growth.
The discussions at the General Assembly reflect a collective commitment to bridging digital divides and ensuring that the benefits of technology are accessible to all, particularly marginalized communities. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity remains paramount.
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