AI, Digital Transformation and Innovation as Drivers of Social Progress

“Progress in WSIS Implementation and 20-Year Review” evaluates the progress made in implementing outcomes from the World Social Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) held in 2003 and 2005, as part of a 20-year review. The report covers several major developments in 2024 and assesses how the original vision of a “people-centered, inclusive and development-oriented information society” has evolved in our rapidly changing digital landscape.

The report identifies challenges in connectivity, like the digital divide that separates 67% of the global population using the Internet to the rest of the world, and the barriers that draw that divide wider. There is a focus on shifting from basic connectivity to “meaningful connectivity,” which is access that enables productive, life-improving online experiences.

The report also addresses artificial intelligence governance, recognizing that the emergence of generative AI since 2020 has intensified governance discussions.

There is uncertainty regarding economic, social, and cultural impacts, with the UN High-Level Advisory Board warning the “patchwork of norms and institutions” with “notable absence” of accountability.

The report covers the digital-environment nexus and the information integrity crisis, two areas that require careful attention and implementation from Member States and international organizations.

Since WSIS, however, there have been several achievements. For example, Internet usage increased from 16% in 2004 to 68% in 2024. In addition, mobile devices and broadband networks now dominate access, and social media and e-commerce have become commonplace.

At the 2025 Review in September, the General Assembly will assess several key areas:

• WSIS achievements over two decades
• Progress toward Sustainable Development Goals
• Implementation of the Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact
• Future priorities for the information society

There will be several considerations at play, as well:

• Complexity: Much achieved but goals remain unmet with unexpected negative outcomes
• Integration: Digital technology now affects all aspects of global society
• Uncertainty: Rapid AI and frontier technology growth adds urgency to understanding digital environments
• Vision continuity: Need to advance WSIS vision of people-centered, inclusive, development-oriented information society

While technological development has exceeded expectations in several areas, fundamental challenges in digital inclusion, governance, and ensuring technology serves humanity’s best interest remain as relevant today as they were 20 years ago.

To read the full report, please click here.