WSIS+20 UN GA High-Level-Meeting - Side Events

On the margins of the WSIS+20 High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, a limited number of in-person, virtual, and off-site side events will be organized from 15 to 17 December 2025. These events provide space to share experiences, showcase innovations, identify emerging issues, and announce voluntary commitments towards a people-centered, inclusive, and development-oriented Information Society.

Who can organize a side event

UN Member States, Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), UN entities, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with ECOSOC consultative status.
Other stakeholders may be considered case by case.
Partnerships with UN Member States and among organizers are strongly encouraged.

Participation guidelines

Only successfully registered WSIS+20 participants can attend events at UN Headquarters (UNHQ).
In-person UNHQ events will be held in English, only, with no interpretation.
Charging a fee for participation in side events is strictly prohibited.

Application process

The side event proposal should be submitted by 31 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST, New York).
Only one side event application can be considered per entity. Member States should apply via their Permanent Missions.
Proposals should be submitted here for:
→ in-person side event at UNHQ
→ in-person side event outside UNHQ
→ fully virtual side event

Selection criteria

Relevance to WSIS+20 themes.
Gender and geographic balance in speaker panels; including broad stakeholder participation.
Concrete success stories, innovations, and practical solutions.
Clear outcomes (e.g., announcements, commitments, follow-ups).
Preference for joint and innovative proposals.

Timeline

The Secretariat reviews proposals on a rolling basis and may merge similar proposals.
All submissions will be reviewed by 7 November 2025.
Room assignments and timeslot allocation for UNHQ events will be announced shortly after the selection.
Final programme will be published mid November 2025.

Responsibilities of organizers

Cover all costs (travel, visas, logistics, etc.).
Manage side event promotion, invitations and note-taking.
Submit a 1-page summary of key messages within 2 working days for publication on the WSIS+20 website.

Disclaimer
Side events are organized independently. The UN is not responsible for their content or participants, and inclusion in the programme does not imply endorsement.