Egypt assumes chairmanship of WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva

Egypt has officially assumed the chairmanship of the World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2026.

The handover took place during the Forum’s opening session in Geneva, Switzerland. Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr Raafat Hendy, took over the chairmanship from South Africa.

The WSIS Forum is a global platform linked to the implementation of the World Summit on the Information Society process. It brings together governments, UN agencies, the private sector, civil society, the technical community and academia to discuss digital development and cooperation.

As Chair of WSIS Forum 2026, Hendy will lead high-level sessions and ministerial discussions. He will also oversee the Forum’s proceedings in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union General Secretariat, represent the Forum at official events and present the Chair’s Summary at the closing session.

In his opening remarks, Hendy said the WSIS+20 Review reaffirmed the continuing relevance of the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society. He said the next challenge is to accelerate implementation at a time of rapid technological change, especially in AI.

He highlighted the role of digital technologies in economic growth, public services, education, healthcare and sustainable development. He also said digital transformation must remain inclusive, secure and accessible.

Egypt said it will work with governments, the private sector, academia, civil society, the technical community and international organisations during its chairmanship. Its priorities include closing digital divides, expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening digital skills, promoting responsible and inclusive AI use and mobilising financing for developing countries.

Hendy described Egypt’s role as one focused on listening, consensus-building and cooperation among countries and stakeholders. He said the success of the chairmanship would be measured by partnerships and practical progress on inclusive digital development.

The opening session was attended by senior officials and representatives from governments, international organisations, industry, academia and civil society. Participants included Estonian President Alar Karis, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, and Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Alaa Hegazy.