APNIC Special Interest Groups (SIGs) offer an open forum to discuss and shape key topics in the Asia Pacific Internet community. During APRICOT 2025 / APNIC 59, the Cooperation SIG will explore how Members and the community can take action in the WSIS+20 Review process.
The technical community plays a critical role in ensuring the Internet remains secure, open, and resilient. As the WSIS+20 Review evaluates progress since the original summit, our community must provide informed input to avoid policies that may inadvertently harm the Internet’s stability and interoperability.
What is the WSIS+20 Review?
The World Summit on Information Society (WSIS)+20 Review marks a key moment in global Internet governance and digital cooperation. Originally convened by the UN in 2003 and 2005, WSIS established the first global framework for an inclusive information society. Learn more about the work WSIS has produced.
The WSIS+20 Review will assess how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Though Internet policy is only part of the review, it has wide-reaching impacts. Key issues include:
- Cybersecurity and privacy: A platform to foster collaboration on safer digital environments.
- Emerging technologies: Ethical AI governance and innovation take centre stage.
- Geopolitical tensions: Digital sovereignty, Internet fragmentation, and regulation directly impact lives.
As part of addressing these issues, the future of the multistakeholder model is under consideration, particularly its inclusiveness, balance of power, and representation of emerging economies. Another key concern is centred around preserving an open and interoperable Internet in the face of fragmentation risks and growing state control. The continuation of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) beyond 2025 and whether it should be strengthened is also part of the scope.
Drive change during Cooperation SIG at APRICOT 2025 / APNIC 59
There are numerous opportunities to get involved throughout 2025, which I’ll discuss in more depth in a future post. However, the APNIC Cooperation SIG presents an immediate opportunity for the technical community to take action in the WSIS+20 Review during APRICOT 2025 / APNIC 59.
The technical community plays a critical role in ensuring the Internet remains secure, open, and resilient. As the WSIS+20 review evaluates progress since the original summit, our community must provide informed input to avoid policies that may inadvertently harm the Internet’s stability and interoperability.
The session will focus on how the technical community — network operators, standards bodies, researchers, and infrastructure providers — can contribute effectively to the WSIS+20 Review process. Panellists will discuss ways to engage, key issues like Internet governance, digital sovereignty, and network security, and how to ensure technical expertise informs policy decisions at global and regional levels.
As an APNIC Member or part of the APNIC community, you have a stake in the global, open, and interoperable Internet. Help shape its future at the Cooperation SIG.
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