Egypt, represented by its Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, officially took over the presidency of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS Forum) for 2026 from South Africa. This handover happened during the forum's opening session in Geneva, Switzerland. Egypt will now lead the work of the largest international platform dedicated to fostering digital cooperation and implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society. The forum serves as the main international platform for tracking the implementation of the WSIS action lines and boosting global digital cooperation. It brings together representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society, international organizations, technical communities, academia, and youth. Engineer Raafat Hendy, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, will chair the forum's activities. He will manage high-level sessions and ministerial tracks, oversee strategic discussions, and coordinate the forum's progress with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) secretariat. He will also represent the forum at official events and present the presidency report during the closing session. Egypt: We Will Build on South Africa's Achievements Hendy kicked off Egypt's presidency with an opening speech, expressing Egypt's pride in leading the forum for 2026. He thanked the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and other UN partners for their efforts in supporting the journey of the World Summit on the Information Society. He also extended his gratitude to all stakeholders who helped establish the forum as a global platform for digital dialogue and cooperation. He acknowledged South Africa's presidency during the 2025 edition and affirmed that Egypt would build upon the achievements made in the upcoming phase. Artificial Intelligence and Practical Implementation at the Forefront of Priorities Hendy emphasized that the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society's Tunis Agenda confirmed that the Summit's vision remains the foundation for international digital cooperation. He explained that the current challenge is to speed up the implementation of this vision amidst rapid technological advancements. He pointed out that digital technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), open vast opportunities to support sustainable development, improve public services, expand access to education and healthcare, and boost innovation and economic growth. He stressed the importance of ensuring that digital transformation is inclusive, secure, and that its benefits are accessible to everyone. He added that Egypt, as the forum's president, will work with all stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming phase focuses on practical cooperation and achieving measurable results. This includes strengthening multilateral dialogue among governments, the private sector, the technical community, academia, civil society, and international organizations. He clarified that the Egyptian presidency will pay special attention to bridging digital divides, enhancing digital capabilities, enabling responsible and inclusive use of AI, expanding public digital infrastructure, and mobilizing sustainable funding to support the participation of developing countries in the global digital economy. He affirmed that the success of Egypt's presidency will be measured by the partnerships and tangible results achieved, which will contribute to advancing digital development and ensure no country is left behind in the digital transformation journey. Acknowledging Egypt's Role within the ITU Egypt's selection to chair the forum comes as part of its long-standing strategic partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It also recognizes Egypt's continuous role in supporting the WSIS process and its active participation in the forum's work for over two decades. This selection also reflects the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's role in supporting international discussions on digital transformation and sustainable development, exchanging expertise and best practices, and promoting digital policies that foster development. Egypt's presidency of the forum is a testament to its active presence within the ITU. It is the only member state that chairs a committee in each of the ITU's three sectors, in addition to leading several key initiatives, including Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, and modern communication technologies. An Opportunity to Support the Priorities of Arab and Developing Nations Egypt's presidency of the forum offers a valuable opportunity to boost the presence of Arab and developing nations in international discussions about the future of the digital economy. It also allows them to contribute to shaping visions and policies related to global digital cooperation. This presidency also comes as Egypt currently holds a seat on the ITU Council, representing the African region. This further strengthens its contribution to expanding international cooperation, building partnerships, and showcasing Egypt's experience in digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and digital capacity building. The 2026 edition of the forum holds special significance as it will be the first to take place after the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society. Its goal is to translate the review's outcomes into actionable steps that will extend until 2035. The forum's sessions are set to discuss roadmaps for the WSIS action lines, policies for bridging the digital divide, and promoting inclusive digital cooperation. They will also address challenges related to rapid technological advancements. Additionally, the forum will feature a high-level track, ministerial meetings, the WSIS 2026 awards, specialized exhibitions, and a program developed through an open consultation process with various stakeholders.
Tags
Related editorial
MIS Teams Up with Saudi Fransi Capital to Power Up Saudi Arabia's Data Centers
MIS (Al Moammar Information Systems) and Saudi Fransi Capital are joining forces to explore building three major new data centers in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. MIS will handle the development, design, and management of these facilities, which aim to add a significant 48 megawatts of capacity to Saudi Arabia's digital infrastructure, supporting the nation's digital transformation goals.
REVYN Launches UAE's First Resale Platform with No Seller Fees
Get ready for REVYN, a new platform now live in the UAE on iOS and Android! It lets users easily buy and sell pre-owned items directly. What's really cool is that sellers pay absolutely no commission, making it the first model of its kind in the UAE market and a big win for sustainable living.
Paymob and UnionPay Team Up to Expand Digital Payments Across Egypt, Boosting Global Connections
Exciting news for Egypt's digital payment landscape! Paymob and UnionPay have joined forces to significantly expand UnionPay card acceptance at over 160,000 locations across the country. This fantastic partnership is set to make cross-border payments smoother, giving a big boost to tourism and digital commerce in Egypt.
FRA Dispels Rumors: Non-Banking Financial Companies' Branches Remain Open
The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has debunked recent social media rumors claiming the closure of non-banking financial company branches. The FRA clarified that the decision being circulated is an old one, dating back to October 2025, and specifically does not apply to the non-banking financial companies mentioned in the rumors. The authority assures the public that the sector is operating as usual.