The multistakeholder model is widely regarded as the cornerstone of the Internet’s stability and resilience. At the +20 review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), states reaffirmed their commitment to this approach in order to prevent the fragmentation of the Internet into separate “digital blocs” governed by differing rules. The shared objective is to safeguard and advance a single, global, and interoperable Internet.
Late last year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the WSIS+20 outcome document, concluding the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society process. The document provides a comprehensive reassessment of Internet governance frameworks and outlines strategic priorities for the years ahead.
Launched in 2003, the WSIS process sought to define global strategies for building an inclusive information society. Two decades later, governments, international organizations, and the technical community have evaluated whether the Internet continues to be open, unified, and accessible to all.
The review reaffirmed a central principle: the Internet is a global public resource, and its governance must rest on the multistakeholder model. This approach ensures that, alongside governments, technical organizations, the private sector, civil society and academia all play meaningful roles in shaping Internet governance processes.
The outcome document also underscores the persistent digital divide. Billions of people around the world still lack reliable and affordable Internet access. As such, Internet governance is not solely a technical issue; it is intrinsically linked to education, economic development, human rights, and broader opportunities for social progress.
WSIS+20 marks a new phase in digital cooperation. Its conclusions are expected to influence both global Internet governance mechanisms and national policy frameworks in the years to come.
For Armenia, this process carries particular importance. As part of the global Internet infrastructure, the country – through its management of the .am and .հայ domain names by the NGO, Internet Society NGO – participates in the same governance principles and international decision-making processes.
Ultimately WSIS+20 addresses a fundamental question: will the Internet remain an open and unified global platform, or will it move toward a more regulated and fragmented future? The decision adopted by the United Nations clearly signals support for preserving a cooperative, multistakeholder, and globally connected Internet.
