By Cyber Era NG Special Correspondent

After two decades of action connecting technology and sustainable development, ministers and other high-level officials will chart the course for the next phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) at the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event taking place from 27 to 31 May in Geneva, Switzerland.

With less than six years to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and with 2.6 billion people still living without the Internet – the WSIS+20 Forum will address challenges, log achievements, and consider future work to ensure that everyone, everywhere is meaningfully connected and that technology advances peace and prosperity for people and the planet.

High-level participants from over 160 countries will analyse key emerging trends shaping the world, including artificial intelligence, space for sustainable development, and other fast-evolving topics. Participants will include representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, the technical community, the UN System and intergovernmental organizations.

A ministerial roundtable will consider 20 years of WSIS implementation to achieve the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“WSIS has stood the test of time,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “As we approach the 20-year review of the UN General Assembly-mandated World Summit on the Information Society, the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event is an opportunity for the entire WSIS community to take stock of achievements and continue to address new and emerging digital challenges and opportunities – at stake is our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals as we move toward the adoption and implementation of the Global Digital Compact.”