WSIS+20 – Advancing global dialogue on digital inclusion
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), now in its 20th edition, is the leading global platform for digital cooperation supporting sustainable development. Organized by the ITU in collaboration with UN agencies and partners, the WSIS Forum brings together governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and development institutions to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and promote a more inclusive digital future.
Held at the Palexpo convention center in Geneva, the Forum provided a platform to reflect on 20 years of achievements and chart a new course of action. As a trusted ITU partner, we were invited to share our experiences during the session Blueprints for Building Digital Skills, focusing on concrete programs that bridge the digital divide in at-risk communities.
Representing the Foundation were Giovanna Bottani, our COO, and Professor Christian Bernareggi, academic expert and course developer. As the only non-ITU speakers invited, their participation highlighted the strength of the partnership launched in 2023, when the Foundation joined the ITU Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) Initiative.
At the heart of the discussion was the joint course “Introduction to Computer Basics for Visually Impaired People”. In just two years, the program has trained over 1,200 learners and more than 90 instructors in Senegal, Ghana, Uganda, and Pakistan, a concrete result of shared commitment and vision. We also presented our vision for the future: an advanced digital course currently in development to support employment and education for blind and visually impaired learners. Additionally, we are creating a new educational program on smartphone use, designed to help users navigate the world more independently through mobile tools.
To bring the message to life, Professor Bernareggi invited a volunteer from the audience to try typing on a keyboard blindfolded, offering a brief but powerful window into the importance of accessibility.
“We speak for those who are too often invisible. Sharing their journey reminds us that inclusion is not a luxury it’s a responsibility. And it’s one we carry with pride.”
Giovanna Bottani, Director of Operations, ST Foundation